David Reynolds Price Sr.

He was born and raised on Point Connett in Mattapoisett and was the son of the late Oman R. Price and Irene (Leach) Price. On Point Connett, he developed a wonderful appreciation for nature and the beauties of each season which remained with him throughout his life.

He attended Old Rochester Regional High School as the first class to go through all four years at that school. At Old Rochester, he was co-captain of the track team and set the school records in the shot put and discus. He later attended Wentworth Institute in Boston, Southeastern Massachusetts University and Jordan School of Business Forms in North Carolina.

In his youth, he raised pigeons with his father from the Chief ConnettLoft in Mattapoisett. He was active in his youth in the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorers in Mattapoisett. He was also active in the Order of DeMolay for boys serving as Master Councilor of New Bedford Chapter in 1965. In that Order, he received the degree of Chevalier and was an Active Member of the DeMolay Legion of Honor. In 1981, he was elected an Honorary Member of the DeMolay Supreme Council in Kansas City, Missouri.

His greatest joy was spending time with his immediate family, especially his Princess. He was nominated and elected in 1980 to be listed in “Outstanding Young Men in America”. During his life, he was very active in the Masons and found it to be a very positive influence on his life by making him a better man, better husband, better father and better citizen through the teachings of friendship, morality, brotherly love, relief and truth. He was a member of Quittacus Masonic Lodge in New Bedford since 1968 and served as its Master in 1973 and served six years of service as its Chaplain. He also served the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts for a total of thirteen years in various positions culminating with the position Senior Grand Warden in 2004, the second highest elected office in Grand Lodge.

He was also active in the Royal Arch Masons, serving as High Priest of Adoniram Royal Arch Chapter in 1973, as Grand Lecturer for the Grand Royal Arch Chapter for fourteen years and as a Deputy Grand High Priest in 1983.

He was also active in the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonary and was only the fifth person to ever serve as the head of all four Scottish Rite Bodies in the area. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2008 for being Scottish Rite Mason of the year in Massachusetts. He was coroneted a Thirty-third Degree Mason in Milwaukee in 1995 with his father in attendance.

He was employed in the graphics design and sales department of North American Business Forms since 1967 and eventually bought the business in 1998. He was known for his optimistic attitude, great sense of humor and quick wit. He was a man of great compassion and felt that by serving others, we serve God. He enjoyed music in all forms, especially live music but was particularly fond of folk music of the sixty’s and classical music, especially Mozart. He did extensive genealogical research on his family tree for over thirty years and developed extensive collection of old family photographs going back to 1860. He was considered to be the family historian. He was also intrigued by coins of all nations, especially old ones.

Survivors include his wife, a daughter, Annie M. Schwehm and her husband Edward of Stoughton, a son, David R. Price, Jr, of Centerville, VA. He was a proud Papa of two granddaughters, Mia M. Schwehm and Kaley M. Schwehm. He had two sisters, the late Shirley Cunningham of Halifax, and Linda O’Keefe with her husband Richard of Burlington, and a brother, O. Robert Price and his wife Gail of Mattapoisett, three nieces, two nephews and numerous cousins.

According to his wishes, he will be cremated and there will be no visiting hours or funeral. Donations may be made in his name to Scottish Rite, Attn. Price Scholarship Fund (named for his father), P.O.Box 1941, North Eastham, MA 02651. Also, he requested his family and friends to perform acts of unselfish caring and kindness in his name to someone who is too often taken for granted. It was always his hope to live respected and die regretted. He will be missed.