Mr. David E. Bales, a long time resident of Andover and beloved husband of the late Patricia A. (Giolito) Bales, passed away at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts on Tuesday afternoon, December 16, 2025. He was 83 years old.
David was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of the late Byron E. and Helen L. (Hesler) Bales. Raised in Indianapolis, he was a member of the Broad Ripple High School, class of 1960. He then served his country in the United States Air Force from 1961 until he received his honorable discharge in 1964. While stationed at the 551 USAF Hospital, Otis AFB, David met his future wife Patricia.
After leaving the service, he married Patricia (Giolito) of Haverhill, Massachusetts, the love of his life. They shared 45 years of marriage. Both were beach bums who, along with their daughter, Jennifer, loved summers and spending time in Ogunquit, Maine. The Marginal Way and Perkins Cove were among their favorite places.
David began his forty year career with Raytheon Company, Integrated Defense Systems, in Andover, Massachusetts. At the same time, utilizing the G.I. Bill, he began his college education at Merrimack College. Here, he received his Bachelor of Science Degree of Business Administration Degree. He furthered his education by receiving his Master of Business Administration Degree from New Hampshire College. David enjoyed a distinguished career with Raytheon Company holding various administrative and management positions.
David enjoyed all that Andover had to offer. He particularly enjoyed the summer concerts in The Park. He also enjoyed exercising as a bicyclist and kayaker. After retiring from Raytheon Company, he joined Latitude Sports Clubs, eventually working there part time at the reception desk for several years. A car guy, he enjoyed attending car shows in Massachusetts and with his daughter in Florida.
David also volunteered with the Veterans Service Director. He was most proud of his and his wife's volunteer work for the "Heroes Among Us" series of books honoring Andover veterans. He also volunteered and was a supporter with the Andover Center for History & Culture. David loved being a snowbird, spending the winter months after retirement in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Here he was able to enjoy time with his daughter, Jennifer, her life partner; Ernie Antoniotti, who reside in Florida. Also with his Florida friends and Deer Creek, Hidden Woods neighbors.
David has joined his loving wife, Patty in heaven. He is survived by his loving daughter Jennifer Bales, brother-in-law; Vincent Giolito of Haverhill and sister-in-law; Lindo Giolito of Duxbury. He is also survived by a great aunt; Kerry Cronin (late husband Brendan) and her twin sons; Matthew and Connor of Kingston.
Calling hours will be held in the Burke-Magliozzi Funeral lHome, 390 North Main Street, Andover on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 4 to 6 PM. Relatives and friends are most welcome to attend. Interment will be privately held. Donations in David's memory may be made to the Sophia Gordon Cancer Center, Lahey Clinic Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.