Salisbury - Salisbury - David P. Conte, 80, beloved husband of Jean (DiPaolo) Conte, passed peacefully Tuesday, 6/10, at Anna Jaques Hospital surrounded by his loving family after a period of declining health.

Born in Beverly, Dave was the son of the late Joseph C. and Virginia (Smith) Conte. He was raised in Newburyport and graduated from Newburyport High School in 1964. He had a love for animals and as a child raised and sold rabbits as pets (not for eating!) and later raised backyard chickens.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army and completed two tours of duty in Vietnam. He received several military honors including the National Defense Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign & Service Medals. He was particularly honored to a part of the First Air Cavalry and wore his symbolic hat with pride.

Dave was a talented brick and stone mason, as well as a skilled home builder and was a member of the Carpenter's Union. He designed and built his home in Salisbury where he raised his family. He also worked at the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant as a mason from "start to finish." He had a passion for hot rods and antique cars and restored many over the years. He taught his son, D.J., everything he knew about car restoration and home construction. He was known as a "magician" who could fix anything. He delighted in spending time outdoors, maintaining his trees, yard and home.

He and Jean, who he called "Colonel", enjoyed spending time at Foxwoods playing the slots, making new friends and attending many memorable performances. He loved playing Keno and met many special friends at different venues. He enjoyed talking to fellow veterans about his service experiences, especially Moses. Dave also shared many special friendships with all his son D.J.'s crazy buddies and hockey teammates. They all loved spending time with him.

Dave's children and grandchildren were the loves of his life. He often boasted about their many accomplishments. In addition to his loving wife of 55 years, he is survived by his daughter, Andrea Savard and husband Bob of Bradford, MA, and his son, D.J. Conte and his wife Cathie of Salisbury. He also leaves behind three grandchildren, Joseph and Gianna Conte, Nathan Savard, and Granddog Kai. He also leaves a sister-in-law, Nancy McLaughlin, brother-in-law, Walter McLaughlin, and their children Erin Brenneman and Dan McLaughlin and their families, and several special cousins. He was preceded in death by his cherished sister, Suzi, who all expect was waiting for him with open arms along with his parents.

Dave's family would like to extend a special thank you to the entire staff at Anna Jaques Hospital and Port Rehab for their kind and compassionate care during his stay.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday June 17, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. His Graveside Service with military honors will be Celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday June 18, 2025, at Oakhill Cemetery in Newburyport. Please meet at the Cemetery for his Graveside Service all are welcome.

Memorial Donations may be made in his memory to Home Base, homebase.org or St. Jude, stjude.org.

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com.