David L. Welch Sr. of Vineyard Haven died March 9 at the Deaconess Beth Israel Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his wife Beatrice, three daughters and granddaughter.

He was born in Oak Bluffs on July 10, 1926, the son of Helen and Forrest Welch. 

He attended Oak Bluffs schools and continued to further his education attending night school. He received his diploma from Martha's Vineyard Regional High School.

David worked at the Flying Horses, where he met his wife and the romance began for 59-plus years.

He was proud to serve in the Merchant Marine and later became a member of the U.S. Coast Guard while working as a member of the Steamship Authority. He also was employed at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School, where he became a friend to faculty as well as students. 

He continued his commitment to the community, becoming a very proud member of the Tisbury Police Department until his retirement. 

After his retirement, he became an active member of the American Legion and Sons of The American Legion Squadron 257.

David was most proud of becoming a member of the Oriental Martha's Vineyard Masonic Lodge. He was past master in 1963 and 1983 and served as district deputy of the Grand Lodge. On Feb. 27, 2006, he received a special presentation and was honored for his 50 years of membership. He was also a member of the Aleppo Shriners, and active in volunteering with the lighting unit for the Shriners' Circus.

David served on the board of the Tisbury Council on Aging from 1992 until 1996. He and his wife also volunteered many hours at the council on aging.

He was a member of First Baptist Church in Vineyard Haven.

David enjoyed traveling with his wife while driving his motor home down the coast and spending some of the winter months in sunny Florida. He would visit friends and always developed new friendships along the way. He often traveled off-Island to visit family or friends.

David had a very special joy of life, the Island, his family and friends. We will always remember him, especially for that "twinkle" in his eye.

Survivors include his wife, Beatrice; three daughters, Beatrice D'Angelo of Hull, Kathleen Welch of Vineyard Haven and Diane (Joy) Gibson and husband Bill of Sacramento, Calif.; his sister, Myrna and husband Maynard Hale of East Wareham; and a nephew, Herbert Hale. He was a very proud PaPa to four grandchildren: Lisa (Joy) Buckley, Mark Brooke, Benjamin and Christopher Gibson; and seven great-grandchildren: Michael, Kellie Joy and Kendra Joy Buckley, Anthony Gibson, Christopher Burdett, Faith Lynn and the newest addition, Benjamin Gibson. 

He is predeceased by his son, David L. Welch Jr.

Visiting hours were held in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home, Edgartown-Vineyard Haven Road, Oak Bluffs this past Monday. A Masonic service took place that day by the brothers of the Oriental Martha's Vineyard Masonic Lodge. A funeral service was held Tuesday with the Rev. Roger Spinney officiating.

Interment followed at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Vineyard Haven with full military honors offered by the veterans of Martha's Vineyard.