David Paul Guertin

David Paul Guertin, 76, of Fitchburg passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Leominster Hospital surrounded by his family.  Born May 24, 1949 in Leominster, MA, son to the late James and Jeannette (Rogers) Guertin.  He was a loving husband to Bonnie (LeBlanc) Guertin.  He leaves behind his daughter, Alyssa (Guertin) Sundstrom, her husband Jason and their children Annika and Joshua; his son Craig Guertin, his wife Maria (Petrucci) and their children Mia, Zoey and Van; extended family and friends.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served his country during the Vietnam War. His time in uniform shaped his steady character, sense of duty, and lifelong devotion to family and country. Upon returning home, he married his high school sweetheart, and together they shared 53 years of marriage—building a life rooted in loyalty, laughter, and enduring love.

Dave loved history and innovation and that shaped his career.  He worked for Digital Equipment Company for decades when computer networking and minicomputers were changing the way we worked, learned and interacted.  He redirected his focus to how computer networking and technology could impact and support education while he worked at Merrimack Education Center and Maynard Public Schools.

He was a skilled woodworker, known for creating pieces that reflected both his patience and attention to detail. He had an adventurous spirit that led him to complete training for his pilot’s license and he found true joy in flying, relishing the freedom of the skies and the sense of calm it brought. Dave was a lover of classic cars and a Nascar fan who took pride in restoring his 1974 Duster and thrilled at the chance to drive a race car at Daytona International Speedway.

Dave loved spending time with his family and friends; he especially loved that in combination with great food and fun locations. He cherished cookouts, vacations, and time spent together — moments often accompanied by his wry sense of humor and dry wit that never failed to bring a smile. He enjoyed many years spent in bowling, golf and bocce leagues socializing with friends, many will even remember the bocce court he painstakingly built in his own yard. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, dedicated father, a proud veteran, a craftsman, a pilot, and a man whose humor and love left a lasting impression. His legacy lives on in the family he adored and the memories they will carry forward.

Military services will be held Wednesday, January 21st at 11:00am in the chapel at Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery 111 Glenallen St.in Winchendon.  There will be calling hour prior to the service at Lavery Chartrand Alario Funeral Home 99 Summer St. Fitchburg from 9:00-10:00am.  All are welcome to attend

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Dave’s memory to  The Gary Sinise Foundation (garysinisefoundation.org) or Homes for our Troops (hfotusa.org