David T. Wilson of Whitman, formerly of Rockland, passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 91. He was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where he met his wife, Marguerite. Dave was predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, who passed away recently.

In November 1954, Dave and Marguerite moved to Massachusetts to start their marriage with high hopes for the future. Their vision resulted in a legacy of six children, 13 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

As a teenager in his home community of Reserve Mines, Cape Breton, Dave took his first job in an auto body shop; it was the beginning of a strong work ethic and a successful career. In 1972, after years of auto body experience, he brought his expertise to the classroom as a teacher at Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical High School. A dedicated teacher for twenty-four years, he took great pride in providing his students with technical skills and actively helping them secure their first jobs.

He was affectionately known as “Papa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was happiest spending weekends at Rand Pond in New Hampshire, watching his grandchildren swim to the dock, pedal boat, and ride in the Red Wagon. Afterward, he would build the perfect campfire for making s’mores.

While Dave was a fan of the Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox, his true passion was cheering on his grandchildren. Whether at the hockey rink, or on the baseball, track, lacrosse, or soccer field, he was always there with words of encouragement.

In addition, he enjoyed weekly cribbage competitions, looked forward to being on the fairway with his golfing buddies, and loved dancing with his wife at the Irish dances.

Dave lived by his mantra – “Get outside and get some fresh air.” Whether it was watering his garden, walking on the beach, snowmobiling, picking blueberries, or relaxing in the backyard, he always wanted to be outdoors.

Dave was the son of the late Irvin and Mary Wilson and the oldest of seven children. He was the devoted father of six children: David Wilson and his wife Susan; Ruthie King; Tom Wilson and his wife June; Allison Sideropoulos; Lisa Freitas and her husband Joe; and Donna McAuliffe and her husband Tom. He was Papa to 13 grandchildren: Christopher, Matthew, Catherine, Christine, Patrick, Andrea, Maria, David, Megan, Nicholas, Colleen, Maggie, and Owen, and 9 great-grandchildren: Brayden, Casey, Jimi, Mila, Wyatt, Juliana, Pennie, Wesley, and Chloe.

Donations in his name can be made to the Rockland Food Pantry

The Wilson family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Dave’s life in the Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4:00-7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held in the Holy Family Church on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery.