MEREDITH --- David Bean, age 89, passed away peacefully April 1, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, deep love for family, and a life marked by integrity and hard work.

Born in northern New Hampshire, David was the youngest of five boys. He was predeceased by his parents, Guy and Effie Bean, and older brothers Guy Jr., Carl, Russell, and Delbert. After the loss of his father at a young age, David grew up in humble circumstances, learning early the values that would define his life: resilience, self-reliance, and perseverance.

David served his country in the United States Air Force and later worked as an electrical engineer. He loved hunting and fishing, and he lived his life with the steady, practical determination of a true Yankee, someone who worked hard and took pride in doing things well.

He was married to his beloved wife, Dolores Bean, for 27 years until her passing in 1998. Together in Merrimack, NH, they raised two sons, David Matthew Bean and Daniel John Bean.

David was a proud grandfather to eight grandchildren: Kateri (Bean) Engelsen, Eamon Bean, Ambrose Bean, Juliette (Bean) Wilamowski, Stephen Bean, Gabrielle (Bean) Guiher, Raphael Bean, and Daniel Bean, Jr., and a joyful great-grandfather to eight great-grandchildren. In his retirement, David enjoyed daily walks in nature and chatting with friends in the small neighborhood where he built his house in Silver Lake, NH. He loved watching his grandkids play sports and was a regular fan on the sidelines, cheering for them at their games.

David's faith took on a new and profound meaning for him later in life. At the age of 86, he was baptized as a Catholic, confirmed, anointed, and received the Eucharist for the first time. Afterward, he quietly reflected, "This is a whole new life!" Those words captured both his humility and the deep grace of that moment.

David will be remembered for his steady presence, practical wisdom, sense of humor, and the generous love he showed in simple, faithful ways. His life was a testament to endurance, faith, devotion, and the quiet dignity of a man who lived what he believed. His family cherishes his memory and will greatly miss him in the years to come.

A Funeral Mass for David Bean will take place at 10:00 AM, Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. Andre Bessette Parrish - Sacred Heart Church, 291Union Ave, Laconia, NH, with interment to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester, NH.