SALEM – David M. Willey, age 93, of Peabody and formerly of Marblehead, Greenfield and Dracut, passed away with his sons by his side on March 10, 2023.

Born in Salem on September 13, 1929, son of the late Raymond Willey and Edith Willey (Peterson), Dave grew up and attended school in Marblehead, graduating from Marblehead High in 1948. As his love for the sea grew, he joined the Marblehead Sea Scouts in his early teens and the Naval Reserve in Salem at 17. He attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics in 1952.

Upon his graduation from college Dave enlisted in the Navy and attended officer candidate school in Newport, RI, graduating with the rank of ensign in 1953. Dave’s first assignment as a line officer was aboard the USS Stoddard in 1953, followed by the USS Fessenden in 1955. While serving, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Hayden in 1953. Dave and Pat cherished the wonderful friendships they developed while living on base in Newport, always looking forward to their next “Navy gang” reunion. After he was released from active duty in 1956, Dave continued to serve in the Naval Reserve until 1968 when he resigned as a Lieutenant.

Upon being released from active duty, Dave commenced a career in manufacturing in the industrial relations/labor relations field spanning a period of 36 years with assignments in New Haven, CT; Detroit, MI; and Greenfield and Somerville, Massachusetts. Throughout his working career, Dave was active in many civic organizations.

Upon retirement in 1992, Dave remained very active in church and civic activities plus volunteer time at Lowell General Hospital and Senior Center transportation. In 2006 Dave and Pat moved into Brooksby Village in Peabody, MA where they formed many dear friendships.

In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Pat; brother, Richard and his wife Isabel; brother-in-law, Joseph Hayden.

Dave is survived by his two sons, Doug and his wife, Anne Phipps of New Durham, NH; Rob and his wife, Beth of Scarborough, ME; grandchildren, Daniel (Westleigh), Diane Wittman (Benjamin), Elizabeth and Matthew; daughter-in-law, Sally Heinemann, mother of Elizabeth and Matthew; sister-in-law, Lucy Hayden; nephew, Michael Hayden (Deborah); niece, Laura Hayden Gutierrez (Wesley); niece, Susan Anker (James); nephew, Richard Willey (Nancy); cousin, Jane Lawson (Ronald).

ARRANGEMENTS: A memorial Mass for Dave will be held in the Brooksby Village Chapel, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, on Thursday March 30 at 12:00 pm, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave’s memory may be made to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B102, Danvers, MA 01923 or the Brooksby Village Benevolent Care Fund, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, MA 01960. Arrangements are being handled by Conway, Cahill-Brodeur, 82 Lynn St., Peabody.