PITTSFIELD, Mass. — David A. Alexander, 71, died on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, Mass., his loving family by his side. 

David was born on July 7, 1945, in Schenectady, NY the son of the late August and Vera (Granger) Alexander. David was a longtime Pittsfield resident, moving here to accept a job as a mechanical design engineer with General Electric in 1973 after working for General Dynamics in Rochester, N.Y., for five years. He graduated from Scotia-Glenville High School in 1964, received his Associate in Applied Sciences in Mechanical Technologies from Hudson Valley Community College in 1966, and his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Southern Illinois University in 1968. He was employed for many years at General Electric beginning in 1973. He retired from General Dynamics in 2001 as Manager of Business Quality Systems.

David had been an active member of the GE Elfun Society, worked for many years with the goals of the Junior Achievement Program, receiving the Outstanding Business Volunteer Award, and was a volunteer for United Way of Berkshire County, particularly in service on its Allocation Committees. He was an avid reader, enjoyed following the stock market, was a loyal fan of the New York Giants and New York Yankees, and loved playing golf and cards with his friends. 

His greatest joy was in spending time with his family and friends. He will be greatly missed and remembered for his strength, dedication, patience, love, wisdom, support, and sense of humor. 

He leaves behind his wife, Kate (Gilmartin) Alexander of Pittsfield, whom he married on June 15, 1968; two daughters, Denise A. Gillette, her husband Jules and their children Alex, Rachel and Caroline, all of Lanesborugh, and Dr. Megan E. Alexander, her husband Che D. Henderson and their children Rio and Sage, all of Newport News, Va.; his twin brother Allan Alexander and wife Susan of Amsterdam N.Y.; his older brother Roland Alexander and his wife Rosemarie of Scotia N.Y.; and many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his very special friends Chris and Lori Moon, their daughters Jessica, Kristen and Cassidy, all of Pittsfield, who were family to him as well. 

David is predeceased by both of his parents; and his two sisters, Eleanor Parks and Vera Monaco.

Funeral notice: Funeral services for David A. Alexander of Pittsfield, who died on June 24, 2017, will be held Friday, June 30, 2017, at 11 a.m. at Hope Church, 259 Kemble Street in Lenox, officiated by Pastor Douglas Foss. A reception will follow at Hope Church. 

Calling hours will be held Thursday, June 29, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Dery Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Memorial donations in memory of David may be made to Baystate Medical Center’s Heart Failure Program in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.