David Alvin Call

78, passed away on January 4, surrounded by his family, after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia. He is survived by his longtime partner Dierdre Lacativa, his three children, Pamela Call MacDonald, Amy Call Well and David Call, his six grandchildren, his brother Robert Call and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

Born in Winchester, MA to Edith and Alvin Call, David was the 7th of 8 children, but he always claimed to be his mother’s favorite. David eventually moved to New Hampshire and went to Monadnock Regional High School, where he played football and held the record for most unassisted tackles for over 20 years.

After graduating from high school, David joined the Army, serving as an artillery field surveyor, earning Good Conduct, National Defense Service medals, and a Sharpshooter certification. He served for three years, including time in Vietnam and Germany.

He completed his service and moved to Wakefield MA. While hanging out at the Town Line Bar in Malden MA, he befriended the bartender Ray Oliver and got his blessing to take Ray’s sister Linda out on a date. The two eventually married, raised their children and spent 31 years together before divorcing.

While working installing carpets with his brother, David began to go to school nights on the GI Bill, eventually earning his MBA. He began a job in finance, working in several regional banks and credit unions, including Saugus Bank & Trust and institutions in Boston, New York and Miami.

Settling in Saugus, David was an active member of the community, coaching his children’s youth league, was a member of the Rotary Club, and an elected town meeting member. Known for his boundless energy, he was the organizer and creator of several Saugus traditions including Founders Day in Cliftondale and the Lynnhurst School Haunted House. David loved a good dad joke, he never got a haircut, he always got them all cut. He also had great advice which was often wrapped in little phrases including “if you make a bad deal, hug it all the tighter” and “the way to begin work is to begin it”.

David eventually moved to the Miami area, where he loved the Cuban coffee and kept a boat named after his first grandchild for many years. While in Miami, he developed a love for photography, a hobby he pursued with friends for many years. He also enjoyed traveling and going on cruises with Dierdre and their friends.

He bravely fought the progression of Lewy Body in the last few years of his life, and the sparkle in his blue eyes was always there. David will be remembered for his positive attitude, competitive spirit, sense of adventure and determination to enjoy life. His greatest legacy is the love and support he showed his children, they were his pride and joy and he believed in them fiercely. “Do Good, Be Good”.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., February 2, 2025 at St. Maria Goretti in Lynnfield, Massachusetts. David will be interred at Arlington Cemetery. Donations in his name can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, https://www.lbda.org/donate or the Dartmouth Women’s Basketball Program.