David Newton

David Leroy Newton, 85, of Farmington, New Hampshire, formerly of Newburyport, Massachusetts, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 4, 2026.

Born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, on December 26, 1940, David was the middle child of the late Leroy Gifford Newton and Frances Mary (Young) Newton. A graduate of Haverhill Trade High School, he trained in sheet metal fabrication and began his career at Western Electric in North Andover. At age 20, he enlisted in the Navy, serving four years on active duty and two in the Reserves as an aviation metalsmith and aircrew member. He earned his Gold Wings as a qualified aircraft mechanic and flew with the Hurricane Hunters.

David later returned to Western Electric and founded his own company, D.L. Newton and Sons, where he worked as a self-employed sheet metal fabricator specializing in heating and cooling systems until retirement. Deeply committed to service, he volunteered for 35 years with the Newburyport Fire Department, rising to Lieutenant and Officer-in-Charge of the Plum Island station. In 1980, he joined the Massachusetts National Guard, serving 18 years as Staff Sergeant with the 101st Combat Engineers.

Known for his charm and charisma, David found lasting love with Cynthia Jean (Stringer) Newton. They married on Valentine’s Day in 1999 and shared a devoted, argument-free marriage until her passing in 2023. An avid outdoorsman, he remained an active deer hunter into his eighties, enjoyed fishing from his boat the Wildfire, and cherished Sunday drives in his antique hot rod with his wife. He was a familiar and welcome presence at the North End Boat Club, the Newburyport Elks, the Rowley VFW, and various American Legion posts, where he enjoyed Miller Lite and the company of friends.

David is survived by his children Robert C. Newton of Dover, New Hampshire, Timothy A. Newton and his wife Jean of Amesbury, Massachusetts, and Deanna M. Walsh of Madbury, New Hampshire; his step-son Nicholas (Jeff) Poirier of Seabrook, New Hampshire; his sister Roberta Brindle of Haverhill, Massachusetts; three grandchildren, Lillian Newton, Emily Walsh, and Gavin Walsh; four step-grandchildren, Angelina, Nicholas, Gabriel, and Katherine Poirier; and several nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Charlie Newton, his nephew Eric Brindle, his wife Cynthia, and his first wife Charlene Huber.