David B. Alward

David Alward was born in Norwood and grew up in Walpole, MA. The youngest of six siblings, he was active in sports and exploring the local woods. David excelled in academics and hockey at Walpole High School.

David earned a full scholarship to Cornell University. He majored in engineering and rowed lightweight crew. Graduating with honors he was accepted into The University of Massachusetts School of Polymer Science and Engineering and earned his Ph.D. in 1985.
Dave’s professional career began at Monsanto Company, where he worked as a research scientist specializing in electron microscopy and rheology.  He also worked at 3M, Solutia, Cytec, Bayer and Eastman.

David loved the woods, mountains and sky. He backpacked almost every trail in the White Mountains with his brothers and his wife Sue. He was a private pilot and loved flying all over New England with family and friends. He skied in the Swiss Alps and had many scuba diving adventures.
His greatest adventure was in Tibet where he ascended the north slope of Mount Everest to 19,706 feet via the Rongbuk glacier.

Dave’s favorite personal achievement was earning The President’s Hundred Marksman Award in 2017.  He also served as a firefighter for many years in the Chester Volunteer Fire Department.

Despite his accomplishments, David had a quiet and humble personality, loving, well-loved and loyal. He was someone you could always talk to about any challenge you faced. He would apply his analytical skills and humane qualities to aid, advise or simply listen and provide comfort. We were never alone with David as a sibling and friend.

Dave  leaves behind his wife of several years, Sue Vollrath and their dog, Ranger.

He also leaves his siblings Cathy King, Joe, Johnny, Bobby and Jimmy Alward, and friends Warren, Wally, Bob, Andre, Richie, Nate, Tom, Mark and Charlie.

A Life Celebration gathering for David will be held Friday, February 27, 4-6PM Chester Fire Station 1.

Donations may be made to the Chester Volunteer Fire Firefighters Association, 15 Middlefield Road, Box 8, Chester, MA 01011