David L. Leavitt

     David L. Leavitt, 75, of Rowley passed away peacefully on November 16, 2023.  Dave was kind, always smiling, loved to dance, sing and was the life of the party.  You could always count on him to make you laugh with his quick wit and sense of humor.  His fun personality was contagious to everyone he met.  He will be forever missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

     He was born in Framingham, MA on November 29, 1947 to the late Roger and Martha Leavitt.  Raised in Rowley, MA, Dave graduated from Newburyport High School in 1966.  Shortly after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country from 1966-1969.  He completed a tour of duty in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968.

     Upon his return from service, he worked as a carpenter and plumber and eventually went on to own Leavitt Plumbing & Heating Inc.  Dave was active in his community as the Rowley Plumbing & Gas Inspector, served on the Rowley Water Board and was very involved in the Rowley VFW Post 5707 where he was Commander from 1998-1999.

     His greatest joy was being Grampy and he was his grandchildren’s biggest cheerleader during their sporting and theatre events.  Dave’s passion for sports played a big role in his life. He coached Little League and Pony League, played for the ICC Men’s Softball League and was an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan.

     He had so many laughs and memories with friends and family while boating with the Rowley River Boating Association, fishing and traveling to Key West and Disney World

     Dave is survived by his wife, Maureen (Bowen) Leavitt, daughter Terri Gardella and her husband Rick Gardella of Rowley, MA, son, David Leavitt and fiancé, Christine James of Ipswich, MA, daughter Debra Leavitt of Lebanon, ME, his seven grandchildren, David, Dylan, Bailey, Paige, Ricky, Cole and Emma; his siblings Ken Leavitt of Hiram, ME and Betty Dyer of S. Portland, ME; and his mother in law, Marjorie Bowen of Kingston, N.H. and his companion, Linda Hardy Baymler of Ipswich, MA.  Dave was pre-deceased by his daughter Kristen and granddaughter, Ava.  He was the brother of the late Donald Leavitt. 

     He is also loved by a close extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

     Friends and family are invited to attend A Celebration of Dave’s life on Thursday, December 14th at the ELKS Club at 25 Low St. Newburyport, MA from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

     As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made in Dave’s honor to The Parkinson’s Foundation. 

     Dave’s family would also like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Beth Israel Lahey Hospice Care and Beverly Hospital for their devotion to Dave and compassion toward his family during this extremely difficult time. 

~ Arrangements are Entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home ~

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