David L. Lamacchia

HOLDEN - David L. Lamacchia, 77, a long time Holden resident, died Friday, December 18th at UMass Memorial Medical Center, Memorial Campus, of complications of Covid 19.

David was born in Ware, MA., the son of Louis J. and Mary (Fazio) Lamacchia of Barre, MA. He is survived by his loving wife of forty years, Barbara (McCarthy) Lamacchia; his sister, Frances J. Hannum of Chicopee and his brother Richard J. Lamacchia of Somerville. David is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and nephews, and many cousins in the large extended Lamacchia/McCarthy family.

David was an Honors graduate of Barre High School, Class of 1961. He attended Worcester Junior College and received his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology from Fitchburg State University. David worked for the Easter Seals Society of Massachusetts as well as the Leukemia Society and the Telegram and Gazette.

A devout Catholic, David was a daily communicant of Our Lady of Mount Carmel/ Our Lady of Loreto Church in Worcester where he was a lector. He was also a faithful member of St. Mary's Church in Jefferson where he was the leader of the Bible Study Ministry.

A kind and gentle soul, David always strove to see the good in everyone and to respect the inherent dignity of every person. David never said a bad word about anyone. He loved the simple pleasures in life: vacations at the Cape and walking the Canal; eating at Seafood Sam's; the Wayside Inn, Jake's in West Boylston and Captain Marden's in Wellesley. David loved animals, especially cats (Jake and Sunny in particular) and Siberian Huskies. David was also an ardent Red Sox fan who attended Game Six of the 1975 World Series, arguably the best game ever played. He was ecstatic when the Sox won the World Series in 2004.

For those of us who loved him, our consolation lies in knowing this world is a better place because David lived. Whenever you think of him, say a kind word, do a good deed, show more patience. This was how David lived his life and it will be his lasting legacy.

David's family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Memorial Hospital, especially the nurses and physicians assistants in the Critical Care Unit for the exceptional and compassionate care they gave David during his illness. They are true heroes.

Calling hours will be on Monday, May 3 from 4 - 7 pm at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St, Holden. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 4 at 11 am at St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St, Jefferson with a burial to follow at Grove Cemetery, 1520 Main St, Holden. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St. Worcester; St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St. Jefferson, MA. Our Lady of Mount Carmel/ Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd. Worcester or to Joseph's Project c/o St. Mary's Church. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden.

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