Attorney David Prentiss, longtime resident of South Dartmouth passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024 surrounded by his loving family. David was raised in Sudbury, MA and is the son of Norma Jean and the late Carl Prentiss.

 

He was a devoted and loving husband to Marybeth Prentiss for 52 years and an amazing and inspiring father to his two sons. His family includes his son Ryan and his wife Cathy and their daughters Bridget and Niamh and sons Oliver and Owen; his son Craig and his wife Lauren and their daughters Cora and Emerson; and his half-sister Beth Waldron-Billington. David was an active grandfather, referred to as "Pop" by his grandchildren and would always make time to attend their sports games, recitals, or other related activities, supporting them and offering encouragement throughout the years.   

 

David attended Boston University while also working to support his education and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1967. Following his graduation, he became an officer in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Cowell, a U.S. Navy destroyer. David would ultimately serve in the Vietnam war as an officer-in-charge of a 50 ft. patrol boat (swift boat). His swift boat was comprised of five enlisted men and assigned to patrol areas of the Mekong River and its tributaries. David was a decorated Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and was proud to be a Vietnam War veteran. 

 

After the Vietnam War David set his north star on becoming an attorney. David's incredible work ethic, ability to listen, and commitment to service aligned well to this career path and his future calling. He attained his Juris Doctor (J.D) from Suffolk University Law School in 1973 and would go on to get a Masters in Taxation in 1978 from Boston University Law School. His first job as a member of the Prescott, Bullard, and McLeod law firm would bring him to the historic whaling port of New Bedford, MA and become the foundation for his love of the sea and this community. David worked for several law firms in the area before creating his own practice in 1998 with a focus on estate planning, estate settlement, representation of taxpayers before the IRS, and municipal law and trust administration. David would go on to practice law in New Bedford for 26 years. 

 

David demonstrated his commitment and service to New Bedford and the surrounding community by his involvement and leadership in local organizations. He was a Co-trustee of the James Arnold Fund (a charitable foundation for the benefit of the poor and needy of New Bedford), and Past Director of the Community Boating Center of Southeastern Massachusetts and Veterans Transition House. In addition, he provided his expertise to the following Boards over his lifetime: Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust, Lloyd Center for Environmental Studies, Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts, and the Boys and Girls Club of New Bedford. David embodied a concept of service that meant going beyond for those that needed representation despite what their situation afforded. For his pro bono representation of low-income families needing debt relief in the community he was awarded the Pro Bono Publico award by the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Massachusetts for the South Coast/Cape & Islands Division. 

 

David lived for over 10 years with CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia), and fortunately did not need any treatment until the last year. He realized how precious each day was and made sure to make the most of his years following his diagnosis.  David had a love for the ocean since moving to Dartmouth and through the Whaling City Rowing Club of New Bedford he developed a deep bond with a group of rowers nicknamed the Gray Buzzards. He eagerly looked forward to their weekly rows in replica whaleboats and participating in local rowing events like the Hull Snow Row and Blackburn Challenge. He also enjoyed sailing with his two sons around the Boston Harbor Islands in their sailboat Windhorse and planning overnight trips such as his last trip from Boston to Plymouth for his 80th birthday.  

 

David's family and the wonderful community he lifted up in his many special ways continue on and lovingly remember him. Fair winds and following seas David. 

 

A memorial service to celebrate the life and spirit of David Prentiss will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 2 p.m. at the Westport Friends Meetinghouse located at 938 Main Rd., Westport, MA 02790. A reception will follow the service in the adjacent Community House.  There will be a private interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: 
Community Boating Center of New Bedford  or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society