HAVERHILL - David J. Dadekian, 81, lifelong Haverhill resident, passed away after a brief illness on Monday, March 22. He was born in Haverhill on March 1, 1940, the son of the late David and Corrine (Gagnon) Dadekian and the husband of Pamela Dadekian, also of Haverhill. He attended Tilton Elementary School through 8th grade where he was a snare drummer in the marching band. He later attended Haverhill Trade School. He first worked in the Haverhill Shoe factories before moving on to the hotel industry at both Howard Johnson’s where he worked the front desk and then at Ramada Inn where he worked as the night audit. His outsized personality clearly made this occupation a perfect fit for him. He secured what would turn out to be a career position with Teradyne Connections in Nashua, NH, where he worked for his final 18 years before retiring in 1996. His final, and most enjoyable job, was that of full-time Grampy to his only granddaughter Dominique until she was old enough to go to school. He became the local expert in all things diapers, Barney, cartoons, petting zoos, ice cream, and little tykes!
David married the love of his life, Pamela Dadekian, on September 9, 1967. They settled in Haverhill where they raised their two children, David M. and Lynn. He had many interests and activities, including being a member of the marching band for the Sons of Italy in Haverhill. But nothing generated more interest than his lifelong fan of all sports. He loved all sports but particularly loved The Boston Celtics and the New York Yankees, despite years and many attempts by his family to convert him into a Red Sox fan. His brain was filled with sports trivia, his sports knowledge encyclopedic. He became a Celtics season ticket holder in 1978. They were terrible that year but he decided to hold onto those tickets for one more season to quote “see what this Larry Bird kid can do.” The rest is history. Though he only had 2 tickets to each game, he somehow managed to smuggle both of his children into several of the games because he could literally talk his way into or out of anything.
In 2006, a miracle happened. David was given a second chance in life through a liver transplant donated by his daughter. He did not waste the gift of the next 15 years he blessed this planet. He lived life to the fullest every day and exuded that joy to anyone he came into contact with. He felt blessed every day to have had those extra years.
Likely his biggest legacy is that of his commitment to family. He could not have been a better husband, father, and grandfather to his wife Pam, his son David, his daughter Lynn, and his granddaughter Dominique. He was, quite literally, the best human ever, so it made sense that he was the best husband, best father, and best grandfather. His unflinching loyalty and commitment to his family showed no bounds. He was a super hero without a cape. His love was unconditional, his energy infectious, his laugh epic. Though he fell victim to some practical jokes over the course of his lifetime, he was likely the one playing them. There wasn’t an occasion that he did not make better just by being present. He was the most moral man on the planet, who’s compass was always pointed true north. He will be greatly missed but Heaven has just received its newest Mayor!
He is survived by his wife of 53 plus years Pamela (Popham) Dadekian, his son David M. and wife Andrea (DeFelice) Dadekian of Milford, NH, his daughter Lynn Dadekian and her fiancé William Delaney of Worcester, MA and Naples, FL, and his granddaughter Dominique Jordan Dadekian of Chicago, IL, many cousins and lifelong friends who will all feel the loss of his company.
Visiting hours will be Friday, April 9, in the Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 S. Main Street, Haverhill from 9:00 to 10:30 AM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will follow in Sacred Hearts Church, 165 S. Main Street, Haverhill at 11:00 AM. Note to wear face coverings and social distancing measures will be in place. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations to any food pantry serving those in need. For guestbook, visit www.driscollcares.com
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