David Paul Belanger

David Paul Belanger, 77, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away April 3, 2015, in Wasilla after battling pancreatic and liver cancer.

David was born on Nov. 28, 1937, in Northampton, Mass., to Ernest and Mary (Burns) Belanger.

David was a graduate with a degree in electrical engineering from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont. After graduating, he served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed in Stuttgart, Germany.

He met the love of his life, Priscilla Ann (Chapman) and they were married on May 27, 1961.

After his discharge from the military, David and Priscilla moved to Alaska in February 1965, during the earthquake reconstruction. They eventually moved and called Wasilla home in 1999.

During his lifetime, David worked with the U.S. Postal Service and retired from the Federal Aviation Administration in 1998. After retirement, he worked as the facilities manager for the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

He was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he became the facilities manager again. He also developed and managed the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

David loved the outdoors and his lakeside home. He enjoyed traveling cross-country in the RV with his wife, camping, woodworking, construction, and of course his beloved grandchildren.

The family wrote, “He was the best husband and father figure that ever walked. Dave was an instant ‘papa’ to all who walked through his door, and angels envied his hugs. He has created and leaves behind a legacy of strength in faith, family and friendship.”

David is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Priscilla; son and daughter in-law, Rusty and Lynn; son and daughter in-law, Rick and Christie; son and daughter in-law, Dan and Jenny; and 13 very special grandchildren.

Public viewing is at 7 p.m., April 8, at Legacy Heritage Chapel, 1015 S. Check St., Wasilla. The “Chaplet of Divine Mercy” will be sung during the viewing.

Funeral Mass is at 11 a.m., April 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1201 Bogard Rd., Wasilla. Military honors will be presented at the conclusion of the service. Archbishop Roger Schweitz and Father Scott Garrett will officiate.

Memorial donations may be made to: Office of Development, Norwich University, c/o Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund, 158 Harmon Drive, Northfield, VT, 05663.

Arrangements entrusted to Legacy Heritage Chapel. To share words of comfort with the family, visit legacyalaska.com.