David Linett

David Linett of Centerville, previously of Summit, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 91 years of age. Born in Perth Amboy, NJ, on April 9, 1934, he was the son of the late Ann (Sherling) and Jacob (Jack) Linett. He was predeceased by his twin sister, Claire Puritz, in 1994.

David was the loving husband of Penny, with whom he shared his life since 1986 and was married to since 1992. He was the beloved father of Jon Yisroel Linetzky, Peter Linett, and Maren Linett. He was the cherished grandfather of Sophie, Amelia, Ruth, Lev, Domenic, Hadassah, Jacob, and Zachary, and the great-grandfather of Harper.

David was a graduate of Yale University, where he served as a student-cantor and played percussion and violin in various ensembles, and Harvard Law School. He served as the governor-appointed prosecutor of Somerset County from 1977-1982 and was a partner at the law firm Ginden and Linett. A prominent figure in Rotary International, he served a term as a director on the organization’s international board. In 1992, he founded the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), a leadership development program that has since grown to serve over 500 Rotary districts worldwide. Together with Penny, he traveled to 49 countries as an ambassador for the organization’s global mission. Additionally, he served as a Trustee of the Proprietary House in Perth Amboy, the historic 1766 Royal Governor's Mansion of New Jersey.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 1:30 PM at Falmouth Jewish Cemetery, 7 Hatchville Road, East Falmouth.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s name may be made to The Rotary Foundation www.rotary.org with instructions that the gift be designated for the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI).