David J. Fenton

When David Fenton beat Legionnaries' disease four years ago his family dubbed him their 'Superman'. He ran with it. Since then he'd adorn anything the super hero wore. He would proudly sport his Superman tee-shirt beneath his button down and in full drama...bust out of it when able just like in the movies. He wore his Superman socks, watch and shorts as often as possible and it was often a source of great entertainment, deflection and many laughs.

The Fenton's superhero died peacefully at home on Sunday, August 12, 2018 after an illness. He was 86.

David J. Fenton was born January 28, 1932 in Cambridge a son of the late David B. and Margaret T. (Biddiscombe) Fenton. January 28th was a date he'd later in life come to share with his much loved triplet granddaughters Kelsey, Darlene and Tiffany. It made for a great party and a cake he gladly shared space with the three young ladies he adored. Raised and educated in Waltham he was a graduate of Waltham High School with the class of 1951. While in school he worked in the family bakery and post high school graduation like many of his peers he enrolled in the United States Army and proudly served his country in the Korean War. Upon honorable discharge from the Army he met Eastport, Maine native Princess L. Follis and they later married on August 25, 1956 in Saint Mary's Church in Waltham. For almost 62 years…she remained his Princess in every sense of the word.

Dave worked over forty-four years as plant superintendent for Longview Fibre Company in Waltham before enjoying a well deserved retirement in 1999.

He was a man who lived a good and full life. He accomplished everything on his bucket list and like his much loved Red Sox do in October…he came out on top! Kindness is a virtue often underrated but it's how Dave lived each day. Always giving in different ways he adored his family and all of his grandchildren. Dave and Princess loved excursions to the casino where he would 'borrow' money from Princess after telling her he was down on his luck. But in fact he had successful winnings and pleasantly surprised her at the end of day giving it all back...that which he borrowed and all that he had won! They would travel back to Princess' native Maine where they would enjoy time on their land in Perry, Maine.

Dave knew the heartbreak and sadness a parent would never imagine with the deaths of his children, Joy L. Geary and Patrick J. Fenton. He is also predeceased by his sister Adaline French.

In addition to his wife of 62 years, Princess he leaves their children, David W. Fenton (Lynda) of East Wareham, Lori A. Nelson (Donald) of Wareham and Cheryl A. Gaudet (Bruce) of Londonderry, New Hampshire; his grandchildren, David, Michael and Krystal Fenton, Keith Ferguson (Stephanie), Elizabeth Camara (Paul), Stephen Nelson (Lauren), Kelsey, Darlene, Tiffany and Sara Gaudet, Scott and Mark Fenton; his great-grandchildren, David, Logan, Braydon, Riley, Kaleigh and Brendon; his sister Margaret Cartwright of Nashua, New Hampshire; his sister-in-law, Joyce Follis of Seattle, Washington; nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember David's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, August 15th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Thursday morning when his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorials in his name my be made to New England Center and Home for Veterans, 17 Court Street, Boston MA 02108.