World War II vet, former semi–pro baseball player

Published in the February 25, 2016 edition

David-R.-Sidilou-obit-webMANCHESTER, N.H. — David R. Sidilou, 88, of Manchester, N.H., formerly of North Reading, died Feb. 13, 2016 at the Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. He was surrounded by his loving family.

David was born on March 27, 1927 in Leominster, a son of Frank D. and Marquerite Sidilou. He will be sorely missed by his brother Roger and his wife Joan, and his sisters, Barbara, Jean, Doris and Marie (predeceased).

He graduated from Leominster High School and Feener Technical School of Boston. In his professional career he was a plastics engineer for U.S. Plastics Corp., serving as a vice president, plant engineer and superintendent for over 30 years.

David also served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, was a member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name of St. Pius V and was a Boy Scout leader.

David played semi-professional AAA baseball and continued his passion for baseball by coaching Babe Ruth for many years. During retirement, he could often be found golfing, traveling the country and the world, woodworking or gardening and was an excellent “snow bird” for over 20 years in Florida. He was an accomplished woodworker and woodturner.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean A. (Jacobs) Sidilou; four children, Paul R. Sidilou of Peabody, Donna J. (Sidilou) Tondreau and her husband Thomas of Penacook, N.H., Peter D. Sidilou and his wife Diana of Amesbury and Susan C. (Sidilou) Eldred of Peabody.

David had eight grandchildren: Daniel (predeceased), Jennifer, Jason, Nicole, Steven (predeceased), Shawna, Derek and Janelle, and six great-grandchildren: Michael, David, Nicholas, Isabelle, Samuel and Griffin.

The Sidilou family would like to send their thanks to both the Elliot Hospital Emergency Room in Manchester, N.H. and the Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. for his outstanding care during his final moments.

His most famous words to live by were: “You’re not listening, you don’t understand. Let me explain.”

His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, March 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Pius X Church, 575 Candia Rd., Manchester, N.H. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester, N.H.

Memorial contributions in David’s name may be sent to the: New Hampshire Food Bank, 700 East Industrial Park Dr., Manchester NH 03109 and/or the charity of one’s choice.

Cate & Johnson Funeral Service of Manchester, N.H. is directing arrangements. Family and friends may visit CateJohnson.com for directions or to leave an expression of sympathy.