David Austin DeForrest

David Austin DeForrest, 87, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on May 14, 2026, at the Care Dimensions Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on March 15, 1939, in Salem, Massachusetts, David was the beloved son of the late Lillian E. Pare Garrette and Wilfred “Blackie” Garrette, and his late biological father, Edgar DeForrest.

David graduated from St. Joseph High School and briefly attended the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy before enlisting in the United States Army. He proudly served as a Medical Corps Specialist (E-5) in Thule, Greenland, from 1958 to 1961.

David shared 38 devoted years with his partner, Brenda J. Garvey. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and community. They cherished their travels to Ogunquit, Maine, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, enjoyed cruising, participated in cribbage tournaments at the Franco-American Club, and found equal joy in quiet moments at home.

A lifelong resident of the North Shore, David spent much of his early life in Salem. At St. Joseph High School, he was captain of both the football and basketball teams for the Class of 1957 and later played briefly with the Boston Yanks football team. He was an avid golfer for most of his life and always found time to hit the greens.

In 1961, David married Sharon (Bilo) DeForrest. They shared 19 years of marriage before their amicable divorce in 1980. Together, they raised four daughters and created a lifetime of cherished memories through camping trips, family gatherings, long drives, and celebrations of life’s milestones.

David took immense pride in supporting his daughters’ involvement in the Arbella All-Girl Drum & Bugle Corps, where he served as Equipment Manager and chef during competitions. He traveled with them, encouraged them, and proudly watched them perform—culminating in a treasured family achievement when they won first place at the DCI All-Girl World Championship. During those years, David also welcomed an exchange student from Japan, Yukari Oki, into his home and heart as a daughter.

A hardworking and entrepreneurial man, David was co-owner of Priscilla’s Donut Shop in Salem and later became widely known as the proprietor of The Furniture Doctor. His skill in refinishing antiques and fine wood furniture earned him a respected reputation throughout the North Shore. Even in retirement, he remained active, enjoying part-time work at the Salem Country Club.

David was deeply committed to his community and dedicated countless hours to fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the Franco-American Club, and especially the Loyal Order of the Moose. Over more than 25 years of service with the Moose Lodge in Salem, he volunteered extensively—cooking for those in need, supporting charitable efforts, and mentoring others. He served multiple terms as Governor and was honored with numerous awards, including the Pilgrim Degree of Merit, the highest distinction awarded for extraordinary service.

David will be remembered as a generous and dependable man—someone who would, as many said, “give you the shirt off his back.” He was fiercely devoted to his family, loyal to his friends, and always willing to lend a hand. His kindness, strength, and unwavering dedication leave a lasting legacy in all who knew him. 

In addition to his beloved partner Brenda, David is survived by his loving daughters: Denise DeForrest-Oujaimi and her husband Pierre of Pelham, New Hampshire; Pamela (DeForrest) Rich and her husband Paul of Nashua, New Hampshire; Lisa (DeForrest) Beloff and her husband Peter of Marblehead, Massachusetts; and his cherished daughter Angel DeForrest of Georgetown, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Joshua Beloff and his wife Camille, David Oujaimi, Chantal Oujaimi, and Spencer Beloff; his great-grandson, Elias Beloff; his siblings, M. Constance (DeForrest) Bilo, Wilfred “Pete” Garrette Jr. and his wife Judy, Susan Garrette, and Maria Garrette; Brenda’s brother, David S. Garvey and his wife Helen, along with their son Matthew; his half-brother, Rollie DeForrest, half-sister, Joanie DeForrest, and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph Richard DeForrest, and his sister, Laureen Ann Garrette. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to Moose Charities at www.mooseintl.org or to Kaplan Family Hospice House at www.caredimensions.org.

Family and friends are invited to attend David’s visitation on Friday May 22, 2026 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St. Salem, MA. A service will be held beginning at 12:00 PM at the Murphy Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Harmony Grove Cemetery in Salem, Massachusetts. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.