David R. Monty, age 70, most recently a resident of Dracut, passed away on Friday, February 23, 2024. His inner strength allowed him to quietly endure many long-term illnesses until pancreatic cancer showed up at his door. He waged a final courageous battle but succumbed after a valiant fight.

David was born in Miami Beach, FL, before his parents moved to Dracut, MA where he spent his youth, graduating from Dracut High in 1971. He thrived living up in Wells River, VT where he honed his love of skiing, before eventually settling in Windham, NH for many years.

Through his life he became a true Jack of All Trades, mastering all - if it was broken, he would fix it or build it new. David had a knack with machines and his natural abilities allowed him to acquire many skills over the years. Starting as a small machine repairman, then industrial painter, he also became a heating/cooling specialist. Moving on to industrial machine maintenance & repair at a plastics company, he proved himself a hero for saving a woman’s severed hand. He became a Master Motorcycle Mechanic for Honda and even received their prestigious Certified Technician of The Year award. David rounded out his working years with Malfatti Home Improvements, where he felt most at home.

Being a certified member of the National Ski Patrol gave David opportunities to help many folks on the slopes as he did what he loved best – ski and get paid doing it. He would also volunteer to Patrol during his free time on the slopes because he loved being there so much. It allowed him access to ski whenever and wherever he wanted across the United States. He maintained this certification until his passing.

David was a perfectionist, no matter what the challenge or request, he gave his all to ensure he exceeded expectations whether for himself or others. A man without limits, an adventure seeker, always pushing himself in pursuits of activities that would test him physically and mentally - he savored every minute of it. Whether it was the thrill of skiing off Tuckerman Ravine, motorcycles, extreme rollerblading, ice climbing, mountain biking, etc., there was always a great story of his adventures, or misadventures, that were incredibly thrilling. And if you ever found yourself on one of his adventures, it was a sure thing that you’d come away with your own unbelievably wild tale to tell and memories for a lifetime. No matter the circumstances, there was always a story.

David had a soft spot for anyone in need and quietly helped many people that he never knew. If he saw a need he would fill it, without fanfare. He utilized his many talents freely; sometimes carpentry skills to fix a broken door on a Senior’s home, or rebuilding bicycles he’d find at the dump so he could give it to some kid around town that was without. He always said, “A bicycle is freedom, so every kid should have one.” He also volunteered time teaching bicycle repair/safety classes and arranged group bike rides for kids at State Parks around NH.

Finally, it must be said - David was not always sunshine and roses . . . facts are facts, and he was human . . . He lived his life with emotions that were strong and wide ranging, from gentle, quiet, and shy, to the ferocity of a wounded bear. When a perceived challenge was before him, he was quick to loudly vocalize his displeasure, which would be followed by frustration, and finally quiet. The arts of “I’m sorry” or “thank you” were more difficult for him than risking his life in the activities he pursued. He was stubborn to a fault - what he knew, he knew, no telling him otherwise. Perhaps it came from growing up in the school of hard knocks, learning so much the hard way, or that he was actually correct so often, that it became offensive for him to be questioned. Thank God that in the last months of his life he finally understood it’s a gift to say and mean the words “I’m sorry” and “thank you” . . . we love you David!

David leaves behind his daughter Stacey Monty and her family, his son Justin Monty and his family; his sisters, Karen Clougher and her husband Thomas, of Tyngsborough, MA, and Nancy Wilson and her husband Gary, of New Ipswich, NH; his nieces and nephews Victoria Clougher of Stamford, CT, Kimberly McManus of Laconia, NH, Douglas Clougher of Hudson, NH, Kenneth Clougher and Zachary Clougher of Dracut, MA, Evan Boucher of Townsend, MA, and Christopher McManus of Aurora, CO; several cousins and many friends.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Annette Monty, and his sister Noreen Judd.

Visiting hours will be held on Saturday, March 2nd from 4pm to 7pm at the DRACUT FUNERAL HOME, 2159 Lakeview Avenue, DRACUT. His Funeral Service and Interment will be held privately.