David B. Priest

David B. Priest, 85, passed away on August 3, 2024 at Ayer Valley Rehab & Nursing after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Born on July 4, 1939 in Ayer, MA, he was the son of the late Houghton B. Priest and Helen L. Priest. 

David was a 1958 graduate of Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine. After two years at Babson College he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. He traveled the world, especially fond of his time in Spain. Upon completion of his service, he began working at Ayer Community Hospital. David was most proud of overseeing the building of the Nashoba Community Hospital. He worked at the hospital for years and the hospital always had a special place in his heart. He also worked at NEBS in Groton, MA and Harrison Conference Services in Marlboro, MA.

David loved telling stories of growing up on Sandy Pond in Ayer. His family raised Newfoundlands and he loved talking about the many dogs he had throughout the years.

David was married for 58 years to his wife Anita. They settled in Groton and raised their daughter Sandy. He would do anything for Anita and Sandy. David loved projects around the house, working in his garden and summer nights sitting on his breezeway. David and Anita also enjoyed exploring the back roads of Vermont. David was a proud member of the Groton Minutemen for many years. He especially enjoyed the festivities of the 1976 Bicentennial. He loved to talk Donald Duck to kids. If he saw a child crying anywhere, he went into Donald Duck mode to cheer them up! In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking out in his “Doghouse”. He made everything from cutting boards to furniture to hundreds of tiny bears for Sandy’s wedding. David was very patriotic, born on the 4th of July. He loved his patriotic songs and anything related to his beloved Coast Guard. David also absolutely adored his two granddaughters, Robyn and Laura. He was their Pop-Pop and he was so immensely proud of everything they did.

David is survived by his wife Anita S. (Blood) Priest of Pepperell, MA. His daughter and son-in-law Sandra L. (Priest) Abernathy and Donald G. Abernathy of Pepperell, MA. His granddaughters, Robyn A. Abernathy of Andover, MA and Laura M. Abernathy of Phoenix, AZ. His two brothers, William H. Priest of North Andover, MA and John L. Priest of New Kent, VA. As well as two nieces, a nephew, and many, many friends.

A service will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 at 10:00am at McGaffigan Family Funeral Home, 37 Main Street, Pepperell. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Family and friends are all invited.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Ayer Valley Rehab and Nursing Activities Department, 400 Groton Road, Ayer, MA 01432 or Alzheimer’s Disease Research, (www.brightfocus.org/alzheimers#).