Born in Waltham, he was the son of the late James A and Eleanor M. (Hyde) Deffely.
David attended MA College of Pharmacy, prior to enlisting in the USAF. During his military service, he was assigned to duty as a meteorologist at Cape Canaveral, Fla., as well as Anchorage, Alaska. Following his discharge in 1988, he worked as a general contractor and builder, later becoming the building inspector in Newton and most recently in Worcester.
He had a dry sense of humor and a love for the outdoors. He was happiest when walking with his “best friend” and constant companion, his rescue dog, Joe.
He is survived by his brothers, James T. Deffely and his wife Sharon M. of Auburn and John B. Deffely and his wife Frances of Newton; his sisters, Susan Frederick of Sandwich and Donna Veinot and her husband Paul of Marlborough, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, Sept. 16, from 4-7 p.m., at the Slattery Funeral Home, 40 Pleasant St., Marlborough. A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, Sept. 17, at 11 a.m., at the Immaculate Conception Church, 11 Prospect St., Marlborough.
Burial will be held Monday, Sept. 19 at the National Cemetery in Bourne.
Donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League, 10 Chandler St., Boston, MA 02116 or Fisher House Boston, PO Box 230, S. Walpole, MA 02071.
