David Ovitt

BAKERSFIELD - David E. Ovitt, age 85, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Northwestern Medical Center in St. Albans.

He was born February 26, 1939 in Bakerfield on the Ovitt Farm to the late Wendall & Evelyn (LaGrange) Ovitt. From an early age David cultivated a deep love for the land and his community.

After attending high school, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served overseas, earning distinctions including the National Defense Medal and Naval Expeditionary Force Medal. A true pillar of his community, David was a founding member of the Bakersfield Volunteer Fire Department. His leadership extended to public service as he served multiple terms on the select board, always advocating for the betterment of his beloved hometown.

David was not only a devoted community member but also a passionate sportsman. As a dedicated Little League coach, he inspired young athletes, instilling in them a love for the game that would last a lifetime. His enthusiasm for hunting and firearms was matched only by his willingness to engage in conversation on these subjects. A lifetime member of both the NRA and VFW Post 758, he also played a vital role in promoting safe and responsible practices as a hunter safety course instructor.

David worked as a salesman in dry goods for many years. In moments of leisure, he found joy on the golf course. Above all, his greatest pride and accomplishment were his children and their families, whom he cherished deeply and supported wholeheartedly.

He is survived by his children, David Patrick Ovitt, Michael Ovitt and his wife Ursula, Kimberly Ovitt and her husband Lucien Lesniak, and Brian Ovitt and his wife Karen; grandchildren, Owen Ovitt, Rebekah Ovitt and her significant other Nick Sennett, Elisabeth Upton, Katie Ovitt, and Kyle Ovitt; siblings, Donna Northrop and her husband John, Dennis Ovitt, Dexter Ovitt and his wife Sally, Dwight Ovitt, Dale Ovitt and his wife Mary, and Douglas Ovitt and his companion Jane Gaudette; siblings-in-law, Barbara Riley, Richard Hale and his wife Georgette, Carolyn Clark, Marvin Hale and his wife Sandy, and Mark Hale and his significant other Terry Hale; and many nieces & nephews. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his wife, Cora (Hale) Ovitt; brother, Duane Ovitt; sisters-in-law, Brenda Wright, and Donna Jean Ovitt; brothers-in-law, Burton Hale, Stuart Hale, Robert Clark, and Horace Riley.

In keeping with David's wishes, there will be a private interment in the Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.

For those who wish, contributions in David's memory may be made to the Bakersfield Volunteer Fire Department (BVFD), c/o Paul Stanley, 864 Lawyer Road, East Fairfield, VT 05488.

Condolences, photos and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com