David G. Camerlengo, 72, of Burlington, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer, surrounded by the love and gratitude of those whose lives he touched.

Born in Portland, Oregon, David was the beloved son of the late Albert G. and Dorothy A. (Cannon) Camerlengo. As the son of a proud United States Air Force Sergeant, David’s family eventually settled back in Massachusetts after his father’s honorable discharge. The family made their home in Everett before moving to Malden and finally to Burlington where David graduated from high school. Inspired by the strong tradition of military service in his family, David answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home and settled back in Burlington, where he would remain for the rest of his life.

David was a man whose life was defined by service, not only to his country, but to his community and, above all, to his family. He found genuine purpose and fulfillment in his career, culminating as head custodian with the Burlington Public Schools. To David, it was never "just a job." He took tremendous pride in caring for the schools and the people within them. He was deeply touched by the kindness and appreciation shown to him by the Burlington school community, especially the recognition they gave him for his military service. Although he never married, David often joked that he had the Burlington High School cafeteria looking after him. Even as his health declined, he continued thinking first of others, expressing his appreciation by giving heartfelt cards to the nurses and caregivers who compassionately cared for him. Those relationships meant the world to him and reflected the connections he formed wherever he went. 

For years when the workweek ended, David's favorite destination was the water. There was no place he felt more at peace than aboard his beloved boat. Whether casting a fishing line beneath a bright summer sky, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face, or simply spending the evening docked while the gentle waves rocked him to sleep, the water brought him a sense of tranquility that few things in life could match. David was also a gifted cook who delighted in preparing memorable meals for his sisters and their families. Whether expertly deboning a turkey, creating an impressive turducken, or surprising everyone with another culinary masterpiece, his meals became cherished family traditions and stories that will continue to be shared around dinner tables for years to come. More than the food itself, it was the love he poured into every meal that made them unforgettable. His devotion to family knew no bounds. Together with his sisters, David lovingly cared for their mother, ensuring she could remain in the comfort and familiarity of her own home rather than enter a nursing facility. He considered it a privilege to give back to the woman who had devoted so much of her life to caring for her family. David also shared a particularly special bond with his mother. They found joy in life's simple pleasures, spending countless hours working side by side in the garden, tending to flowers and plants while enjoying each other's company. At the end of many days, the two would reward themselves with a bowl of ice cream or by sharing a favorite box of chocolates, happily indulging the sweet tooth they both possessed. Those quiet moments together, filled with conversation, laughter, and love, became cherished memories that reflected the deep affection and unwavering bond they shared. 

Although David never had children of his own, he viewed his nieces, nephew, great-nieces, and a great-nephew as his children and grandchildren. He developed a unique and lasting bond with each of them, celebrating their accomplishments, offering guidance, sharing laughter, and creating memories that will forever be treasured. To them, Uncle David was so much more than an uncle, he was a constant source of love, encouragement, and unwavering support. 

David is survived by his loving sisters, Joan Sunderland and her husband Mark of Sebago, ME, and Luanne Cordeau and her husband Daniel of Concord, MA, his nieces and nephew, Stacy Comb and her husband Brad and their daughter Allie, Marianne Munroe and her daughter Gracie Maribito, Haley Jaehnig and her husband Dave and their son Jackson, and Michael Cordeau. 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his visiting hours on Saturday, August 8th from 2pm to 5pm at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington. A funeral service at the funeral home will follow the visitation and conclude with military honors. Interment will be private and at the convenience of his family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of David G. Camerlengo to support cancer research and patient care at: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift.