Published in the December 1, 2017 edition
MALDEN — David Scott Billings, 59, of Malden, died Thursday, November 24, 2017 in Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.
Born on May 19, 1958, in Saugus, he was one of two children of the late W. Everett and Mildred (Simmons) Billings. A sweet, gentle boy, he was raised in Lynnfield, graduated from Lynnfield High School in 1976 and attended Bentley College. Growing up, David loved to ride around on his toy tractor, and took an interest in architecture, drawing, and music. He could spend hours drawing architectural designs. He took up the clarinet, with his mother hoping David might be the next Benny Goodman.
Summers spent on the farm in Alton Bay were treasured memories David carried with him. He and his sister Pam enjoyed playing mini-golf and watching the fireworks while they were there. He loved going out to eat with his grammy, because she felt if you ate all your dinner, you wouldn’t have room for dessert, so he was allowed to eat his dessert first.
David became a systems analyst for Bank of New England, and worked there for many years. He made many great friendships there. A quiet man, David appreciated his times of solitude, but he always enjoyed time spent with family and friends. He would take the time to really listen to what you had to say.
David enjoyed reading, listening to music, with Barbara Streisand and Elton John being two of his favorite artists. He enjoyed exercise and fitness, and recently became a certified Yoga Instructor. He was able to travel to Florence, Italy and fell in love with the city and culture. It became his favorite place. A wonderful cook, David had an affinity for Italian food and a good glass of wine. One of his biggest loves was animals, especially his treasured West Highland Terrier, the late Jameson Theodore.
The world lost a great man with a giant heart. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
David was the beloved brother of Pamela Sue Norton of Tewksbury and brother-in-law of Michael Norton of Orlando, Florida. Cherished uncle of Michelle Athena Norton of Orlando, Florida, and Marina Page Norton of Tewksbury. Adored friend of Evelyn Festa of Malden, Robin Corley of Newbury, and Ross Corley of Newbury.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of David’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, November 30. For online tribute or directions: RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
