David Joseph Splaine, Sr., 86

East Greenwich, R.I.

David Joseph Splaine, Sr., passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2019 with his loving family present. He was 86 years of age and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Dolores D. (Quinn) Splaine.

David was a shining example of how to conduct oneself as a man of commitment, faith and dedication to family and friends. He had a quick wit and keen sense of humor, and delivered perfectly timed punchlines in a baritone voice. Dave was Irish to the core, and a spinner of classic Irish tales and jokes.

David was born in Worcester, Mass., to his parents Ruth Soper Splaine and Major Maurice Splaine and the family resided in Chicopee Falls, Mass. He is survived by his brother, Maurice, and was predeceased by his brother Charles, and his sister, Maureen.

David attended Cathedral High School in Springfield, Mass., and was a proud 1955 graduate of The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass. David always wore his Holy Cross graduation ring and was past-president of the Rhode Island chapter of the Holy Cross Alumni Association.

David was a United States Army veteran, serving in the elite Counter-Intelligence Corp in Berlin, Germany, during the Cold War.

A man of faith, David was a dedicated communicant of Saint Clements Church in Warwick and Christ the King Parish in Kingston. In service to the Catholic community, he sat on the Boards of Trustees of St. Mary’s Bay View Academy and Bishop Hendricken High School and was President of the parents’ council of both schools. He volunteered regularly at the East Greenwich Senior Center.

David was an active sailor aboard Smooth, the beautiful sloop bearing his well-earned nickname. He served as commodore of the East Greenwich Yacht Club and remained active in club affairs throughout his life. He was a long-term member of the East Greenwich Cove Commission. He loved skiing at Mount Mansfield in Stowe, Vt., and was an avid New England sports fan.

David was an accomplished business executive, beginning his career with National Cash Register Company. He spent the remainder of his career in the petroleum industry, beginning at Tidewater Oil Company until moving to DeBlois Oil Company where he served as Vice President of Sales and later as President of a DeBlois affiliate. After leaving DeBlois he provided private consulting services to retail petroleum distributors in New England.

David is survived by his son, David J. Splaine, Jr., daughters Catherine Splaine Sousa and Maureen M. Splaine, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was predeceased in 2009 by his granddaughter Victoria Marie Sousa.