David Joseph Gilmartin

Dave Joseph Gilmartin, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, passed away on July 8, 2026. Born on December 9, 1939, Dave lived a full and generous life defined by his devotion to family, his community, and his work in the Boston leather and shoe trade. 

Dave built a distinguished career in the leather industry, serving as an executive at McCarthy Sole and Leather Co. and later as President of Boston Shoe Associates. He was also a former President of the Boston Leather Trade Benevolent Society, a Lifetime Member of the 210 Associates, and a former member of the Boston Boot and Shoe Club. He was a graduate of Newbury Junior College.

A proud veteran of the United States Navy, Dave served aboard the USS Northampton (CLC-1) from 1958 to 1960. He was a member of the John P. McKeon Post, AMVETS 146, honoring his service and his lasting connection to fellow veterans.

Dave was a founding member of The Line Club from 1961 to 1998, and he gave generously of his time to young people in his community. He served as Treasurer of the St. Williams CYO Band under Manager Bob Powers, and as a coach for St. Williams CYO Basketball and the BNBL. His commitment to youth extended further as he served as a former President of the Board of Directors of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester.

An avid golfer, Dave had been a member of Captains Golf Course in Brewster, Massachusetts, since 1990, where he spent many happy hours with his wife Rose on the course. He was also a remarkable cancer survivor, crediting the miracle of immunotherapy and the care he received at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital for the additional years he was given.

Above all, Dave cherished his family. He was the beloved husband of Rosemary (McCarthy) Gilmartin, the love of his life, to whom he was married for 61 years. He was a devoted and loving father to his five children, Debbie, Dianne, Karen, Julie, David, their spouses, Matt Collins, Ron Lescinskas, Chris Campbell, and Griffin Creech, along with his favorite daughter-in-law, Cara Gilmartin. He took great pride and joy in his six grandsons, Brett, Colin, Emmett, Liam, Gus, and Boone, and his six granddaughters, Alexa, Meghan (and her husband, Sam Robinson), Ella, Rose, Caroline, and Audrey, all of whom brought immeasurable happiness to his life.

He is also survived by his brother, James Gilmartin, and his wife, Pat, of Millis, Massachusetts, and his sister, Mary Gilmartin, of Vero Beach, Florida; and many nephews and nieces.

Dave loved his Savin Hill, Dorchester roots, and he treasured his time spent in Brewster on Cape Cod and Marco Island, Fla., where he made countless cherished memories with his family as well as many dear friends.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and unwavering devotion that will be carried on by all who knew and loved him.

Family and friends will honor and remember Dave's life by gathering for visiting hours in the Murphy Funeral Home, 1020 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester, on Sunday, July 12, 2026, from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. 

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated in St. Cecilia Church, 18 Belvidere Street, Boston, on Monday morning, July 13, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.  Burial with military honors will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery, 920 Adams St, Dorchester.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dave's memory to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester at wwwBGCDorchester.org/donate/