David B. Provencal
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David Bryan Provencal passed away on August 9, 2022 with much courage and grace after a battle with lung disease. As an "Army brat," David lived in many southern states and France before settling in Western Massachusetts. David was predeceased by his parents, Leo and Betty Provencal, his first wife Michelle (Levesque) Provencal, and his beloved son Joel Provencal.
David was a Vietnam era Navy veteran. He had an undergraduate degree from Hampton College, a law degree from Western New England College and a Master's in Education from Cambridge College. Several buildings in Springfield reflect David's early career as an accomplished welder. In a mid-life career change, he spent several years teaching middle school science. David loved being outside and was an avid camper and outdoor adventurer. For decades he gave back to the greater community as the consummate Boy Scout leader, working at summer camp and taking legions of scouts on camping adventures, including canoeing the length of the Connecticut River. David was a Master Gardener and the gardens of Wistariahurst in Holyoke benefited from his skills. David was enthusiastic Jeopardy fan, shouting out the answers to questions. A Gilbert and Sullivan devotee, David performed in operettas with his wife Michelle and his daughter Nikki and was a member of the Valley Light Opera. He enjoyed going to the movies and playing corn hole. One of the joys of his life was spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Linda Riley and his children, Matthew Provencal and his wife Beth of Southampton; Dani (Provencal) McGahee and her husband Geno of Chicopee; Nikki (Provencal) Wadleigh of Easthampton; Amelia Jayne (daughter-in-law); Michael Provencal and his wife Samantha of Holyoke; Rebecca Riley and husband Dan Porter of Harwich; Corrina Riley and fianc?e Joe Bullock of Holyoke and Michael Riley of Holyoke. David is also survived by eleven grandchildren who he adored. David leaves his brother Lee and wife Judi of Orange, California; his sister BJ (Provencal) Howell of Pensacola, Florida; and brother Stephen of Galveston, Texas. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
The funeral service will be held on Wednesday August 17 at 10:00am in the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. Burial will follow in Saint Patrick Cemetery, Chicopee. Visitation is Tuesday August 16 from 4:00 to 7:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Western Mass Boy Scouts in Westfield or to the Cooley Dickinson Hospital.