Mr. David S. deMoulpiedCullum:25991 Class:'65 Cadet Company:H1 Date of Birth:June 5, 1942 Date of Death:October 22, 2024 Died in: Lowel Hospital, Lowell, MA Interred: Pine Ridge Cemetery, Chelmsford, MA - View or Post a Eulogy |
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David Sargent “Dave” deMoulpied was known for his indomitable human spirit, quick wit, joyful attitude, kindness, and loyal friendship. He was born June 5, 1942 in Portsmouth, NH to David and Janice (Miller) deMoulpied. He grew up in New Hampshire and graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy in 1960, where he was captain of the cross country team.
Dave entered West Point in 1961. He spent two years each in companies I-1 and H-1. A gifted distance runner, he was on the Cross Country and Track teams. A man of many interests, he participated in the Ring and Crest Committee, as well as the Handball, Skydiving, Sailing, and Models clubs. His class yearbook entry says his greatest thrill was winning a tennis trophy, which he maintained was like winning a pennant for marching—even though it was worthless itself, it proved he had done something of no benefit to anyone more capably than anyone else. That was Dave.
After graduating with the Class of 1965, Dave was commissioned into the Air Defense Artillery branch. He completed Airborne and Ranger schools and served as aide-de-camp to the commanding general of the 7th Air Defense Artillery Regiment. He also served in the 49th Artillery Group and was assigned to the U.S. Army Arctic Regions Test Center. Dave’s Vietnam combat service was as a battery commander and liaison officer with the 82d Airborne Division. In addition to the service medals associated with that assignment, he was awarded the Bronze Star and Army Commendation Medal.
Dave resigned from the Army in 1970 and went on to serve as assistant city manager of Lowell, MA and earn his MBA from Harvard in 1974. This led to a career of executive and managerial positions in the energy and security sectors, allowing him to travel extensively across the U.S., Europe and Asia, creating friendships along the way. He ended his professional career as the owner of High Security Fence Systems, which contracted to provide airports with external security systems.
While at West Point, Dave met the love of his life, Cheryl Marchand. They married in 1968 and, over their many years together, had three children: David, Nicole, and Steven; and seven grandchildren: Mia, Kara, Brenner, Lars, JD, Marie and Travis. Family was Dave’s first priority and source of joy, both given and received. He was that exuberant grandpa “Grampy” who was forever prompting a new adventure or learning experience.
Ever the avid storyteller, Dave was never shy about asking you if he’d ever told you the story about something (and usually ignoring your answer as he began the tale). A modern-day Renaissance man, he never stopped learning and trying new things. He had a long and growing list of hobbies and interests: aviation (including as a private pilot), weather, mountain climbing, boating of all kinds, sports of all kinds (track and field, tennis, skiing, ice hockey, horseback riding), fitness, travel, reading, music, electric vehicles, and more. He built an ice rink in his daughter’s backyard and was a frequent visitor there. He was also an energetic tour guide who was always willing to show guests the interesting parts of his little piece of heaven.
Dave was a dedicated volunteer, including helping to redesign and revive the Chelmsford Hockey Association’s clinic program (establishing “Peter Puck”). He served on the CHA board and helped to coach many of his sons’ youth teams. He was also a member of the National Ski Patrol—patrolling at ski areas in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and California—and was part of a group that volunteered at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
As he approached his 80th birthday, Dave began training to set a new American record for the fastest mile by an 80-year-old person. Sadly, as he commenced training, Dave was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which stopped him from reaching this goal. At age 82, he suffered a fall and did not recover after being hospitalized. We miss you dear friend and cherish having known you and been a part of your life exceedingly well lived.
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one,
I’d like to leave an Afterglow
of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo
whispering softly down the ways,
of happy times and laughing times
and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve,
to dry before the sun
of happy memories
That I leave when life is done.
(“Afterglow” by Helen Lowrie Marshall)
— Tim Simmons and Jay Vaughn, Classmates; deMoulpied Family
