Donald Arthur Ben David died Thursday, Feb. 25 at Massachusetts General Hospital following a brief illness. He was 83. Donald was the son of Augustus and Elvira (Amaral) Ben David and a lifelong resident of Oak Bluffs.

In his early years Donald would help his grandfather and father in their delivery business and took joy in raising pigs and chickens. After graduating from Oak Bluffs High School Donald entered the U.S. Air Force as a hydraulic specialist from 1952 to 1956. He married Janine Moreau from France in 1954 and they had four children together.

After serving with the Air Force Donald returned to Martha’s Vineyard and worked for his uncle and father at Ben David Motors, later taking over as co-owner with his brother Arthur. He not only took pride in his business but truly relished the friendships he made with his customers. During his later years he worked as a custodian at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School for more than 10 years, where he gave and received much love from the staff and students.

Donald had a zest for life and loved helping others. He was involved with Safe Haven, Lion’s Club, Knights of Columbus, and the Martha’s Vineyard Harley Riders and took great pride in his stellar job raising money for the Red Stocking Fund. He also spent 21 years volunteering for the Oak Bluffs Fire Department.

Donald leaves his wife of 40 years Joanne (Jodi) Ben David; daughters Michelle (Shelley) Ben David and Gisele (Gigi) Gosselin and her husband Robert; and sons Daniel Ben David and Dennis Ben David and his wife Lisa. He is also survived by his brother Arthur Ben David and his wife Marcelle and his sister Florence Ben David, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, godchildren, and many close friends.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Augustine’s Church on Franklin Street in Vineyard Haven at 11 a.m. on March 12, followed by a celebration of his life at the Portuguese American Club on Vineyard avenue in Oak Bluffs. It would be Donald’s wish that any donations in his memory are made to the Red Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 600, Edgartown, MA 02539 in his honor. Arrangements are under the care of the Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs.