David J. (Dave) Arrighi, 82, of Westfield, MA, passed away at home with his wife and daughters by his side, while listening to Neil Diamond, on April 16, 2023, after a six-month battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Dave was born in Northampton, MA on June 27, 1940, the son of Anita (Lauzier) (Arrighi) Amlaw and John Louis Arrighi.
Dave grew up in Easthampton, and spent much of his childhood with his beloved Nonni, Vittoria Arrighi. He graduated from Saint Michaels high school in 1958. Following in his father’s footsteps Dave enlisted in 1958 in the United States Marine Corps and served until 1962. He was extremely proud of being a Marine, and eventually ranked to Corporal, receiving awards for exemplary service.
In 1964 Dave met the one true love of his life, Barbara (Pariseault), a waitress at Campus Lane Restaurant in Easthampton, where he would sit at the counter, and order lime rickeys. Eventually he asked her out and three years later they wed on May 6, 1967 at Notre Dame church in Easthampton. After their honeymoon, they moved into the home they built together on Susan Drive in Southampton. They lived there for over 52 years before moving to the amazing community of Liberty Manor in Westfield, where he had many cherished friends.
Dave was a machinist for Westfield Gage for many years before opening his own shop, ASAP Honing & Lapping. He retired in 2015 after 30 years of self-employment.
Dave was an avid snowmobiler, Red Sox fan, and antique tractor collector. He personally restored a “fleet“ of Pennsylvania Panzer tractors, that he took to many shows. He was also a lover of classic cars, beginning with the full restoration of his 1925 Ford model T touring that he drove in many parades and weddings. Dave enjoyed being a member of the Western Mass Model T Club for which he served as president. He was also an original member of the Red Rock Cruisers where he proudly drove his white 1964 Chevy Corvette.
Dave was very involved with organizations associated with the town of Southampton, which he called home for decades. He joined the Lions club and spearheaded “Jaws Cause ‘85“, a fundraiser to raise money to acquire a jaws of life for the town of Southampton. Another important Lions Club accomplishment was the annual chicken barbecue for which Dave proudly served with his fellow Lions. He was also part of the Southampton Youth Athletic Association, where he began by coaching teen league baseball. Then he coached Little League (Cubs) and eventually girls softball (Shear Energy). When his daughters were no longer playing ball, he took up softball umpiring, and was very well respected by both the coaches and players. When his girls were involved in band in high school, he was elected president of the HRHS music boosters. Dave thought up and organized a fundraiser for new band uniforms where they sold Hilltown themed license plates. You might see a “happiness is country living“ license plate out there still. In 2000 Dave was recognized for his dedication to the town of Southampton by receiving the Citizen of the Year award.
Dave leaves his wife of nearly 56 years Barbara Arrighi, his two daughters, Kerry West (husband Keith), and Lynn Arrighi (fiancé Donald Kendall), two cherished grandsons, Garrett David Santos, and Kennan Richard West, his sister, Barbara Arrighi and life partner Marla Allisan, his brother, John Arrighi, nieces Dr. Annie Arrighi-Allisan and Shannon Arrighi, and nephews Christopher Velez and Joseph Jenkins.
Dave was predeceased by his father, John L. Arrighi, stepmother, Lucille (Lapan) Arrighi, his mother, Anita (Lauzier) Amlaw, stepfather David Amlaw and 2 siblings, his brother, Richard Arrighi and his sister, Victoria (Arrighi) Velez.
Per Dave’s wishes, burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation at www.IPFfoundation.org towards the study for a cure.
FLY HIGH WITH THE EAGLES DAD-SEMPER FI