David Joseph Kolifrath, 66, of Salem New Hampshire passed peacefully at home on July 4th, 2014 surrounded by the love of family and his closest friends after a courageous, year long battle with pancreatic cancer.
Devoted husband, father, father in law and Papa, David was born in Methuen, Massachusetts on December 24, 1947. Son of Alfred and Patricia Kolifrath, David is survived by his wife and soul mate of 45 years Linda (Moynihan) Kolifrath, devoted daughters Jennifer and her husband Matthew Koener of Chester, NH and Allison and her husband Scott C. Robb II of Windham, NH and the lights of his life, his seven beautiful grandchildren, David Landry, Matthew, Elizabeth and Addison Koener and Emma, Scotty and Brooklyn Robb. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, David is survived by his brother Alfred Kolifrath and sisters Patricia Christofferson, Elizabeth Knick and Mary Jo Rivela, several cousins, nieces and nephews, loving in-laws and the best friends a man could ask for. David was predeceased in November 2012 by his daughter, Melissa Kolifrath-Landry.
David received his elementary education at Saint Rita’s Elementary School. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School ’65 and went on to receive his bachelors in political science at Salem State College and his masters in education at Rivier College.
Dave was a man who touched many many lives. As a group home parent, young teacher, high school principal and drivers ed instructor, he helped shape the lives of so many young adults. The lessons he taught reached far outside the classroom. David went on to become a successful entrepreneur. As the co-owner of Promises To Keep in Derry NH from 1985 – 2001 and then Searles Castle at Windham from 2001 to present and a Justice of the Peace, he continued to touch the lives of so many.
He was an avid automotive enthusiast and a lover of music. He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family at their home in The White Mountains. He loved spending time vacationing with family and friends. He especially enjoyed his annual ski trip to Uta
He leaves behind the legacy of a true gentleman. Kind and generous, always lending a helping hand, rooting for the underdog, a mentor to so many. Whether it was a student, an employee or one of his own children, David was always willing to give a second chance, re-teach a lesson, point you in the right direction.
Arrangements: Calling hours for family and friends will be on Tuesday July 8th from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Wednesday July 9th from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen MA 01844. A funeral service will be held at Saint Monica’s Church, Methuen MA on Thursday July 10th at 11:00 am. For directions and to send online condolences please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in David’s memory to fund pancreatic cancer research and awareness. For donations please visit www.pancan.org.