David Lawrence Moiles

OXFORD – David Lawrence Moiles, 86, passed away unexpectedly, yet peacefully while asleep on December 29th, 2024. Known as Dave or “Big Dave” to family and friends, he entered the world in a homebirth to Harry Moiles and Helen (Davidson) Moiles. Except for a short stint in Grafton, David was born, spent his adolescence, raised a family, and retired in his childhood home near the center of Oxford. His family’s legacy in the town of Oxford was a source of great pride for him.

Dave graduated from Oxford High School in 1956. From his yearbook passage he was self-described as “Quiet, rather shy, studious, has nice brown eyes, unassuming and easy going.” His family concurs that this described him until his last days. His favorite quote, “He will succeed, for he believes all that he says,” was true to his sense of humble dignity, as well as his steadfast blue-collar work ethic. Having been raised on a small farm, he believed in an honest day’s work; a virtue that he learned in childhood, practiced as a husband and father, and instilled in his children and grandchildren.

Dave served his country for seven years as an engineer in the Army National Guard. He later settled into a long career in customer service at Saint-Gobain (formerly Norton Company) in Worcester. He was known for his punctuality, being well-organized and diligent in his work, and for maintaining a well-stocked and friendly coffee and snack station for his colleagues. Dave retired from Saint-Gobain in 2000 after 28 years with the company. In his retirement, he enjoyed “puttering” around his home; tackling home projects and organizing accumulated memorabilia and artifacts (he rarely threw anything “away”). He enjoyed his stamp club, coffee with friends at N&J Donuts and McDonalds, events at Old Sturbridge Village and he was an active volunteer at the Clara Barton Birthplace Museum in North Oxford.

Dave often waxed poetic about simpler times and lamented the fast-paced complexity of the modern world. He was always ready to share his views on the current state of affairs, and often did so tongue-in-cheek, with a wry sense of wit and humor. He expressed keen appreciation for simple pleasures; a perfectly ripened vine tomato, the first coffee of the morning, a “well-constructed” donut, a cream cheese and green olive sandwich, a trip to Maine and a visit to L.L. Bean, a quiet evening walk with one of his dogs, and sifting through his humble yet extensive stamp collection. He loved being surrounded by family poolside in his back yard for summer barbecues, and celebrating holidays, especially Christmas. He proudly and enthusiastically attended many of his granddaughter Grace’s dance recitals. Some of his favorite local indulgences included Italian Grinders prepared by Ted at P&D Pizza, breakfast or the “famous” meatloaf dinner from Carl’s Oxford Diner, and afternoon excursions to Hot Dog Annie’s. For Dave, these were “Michelin Star” experiences.

Dave felt a great sense of nostalgia and pride for his upbringing, his roots, and his hometown. He held great hope for better things to come for the world, and for his children and grandchildren.

Dave is survived by his former wife Deborah Moiles who resides in Massachusetts, as well as their four sons: Bryan and his partner Jennifer, residing in the Netherlands and Greece, Darryl residing in Florida, Jason and his partner Danielle residing in Massachusetts, and Jarrod and his partner Brittney residing in California. He was blessed with and took great pride and pleasure in spending time with his eleven grandchildren: Taylor, Curtis, Andrew, Braden, Abi, Zach, Grace, Tucker, London, Teagan and Maverick. He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Greenlaw, and brother -in-law, Paul Greenlaw, (Solon, PA) and survived by their four children, Linda Garris, Steve Greenlaw, Diane Greenlaw, and Mark Greenlaw.

David’s four sons will be celebrating his life with calling hours held in his memory on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 5-7 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. A service will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at the conclusion of calling hours. Burial will be private at North Cemetery in Oxford.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Clara Barton Birthplace Museum on the behalf of Dave (www.clarabartonbirthplace.org).