David DeWitt Newkirk, 90 of Merrimack, NH and a former longtime resident of Hollis, NH passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 9, 2023, after a period of declining health.

David was born in Far Rockaway, New York on August 20, 1933, the son of the late John and Doris Newkirk. After graduating from Hempstead High School, David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he trained and served as an airplane mechanic.  He was honorably discharged upon the expiration of his enlistment.  David was determined to become a commercial airline pilot.  He married the love of his life, Caroline Ann Christensen, in 1959.  They lived in Brooklyn, New York, started a family, and at one point David worked three jobs simultaneously in pursuit of his dream of becoming a pilot.  David's hard work paid off when he was hired as a commercial airline pilot for Northeast Airlines.   In 1972, Northeast Airlines merged with Delta Airlines, which caused the family to relocate to Hollis, New Hampshire. David remained employed with Delta until his retirement in August of 1993.

After David retired, he and Caroline became snowbirds, spending winters at their home at the Spruce Creek Fly-In Community in Port Orange, Florida.  For many years after his retirement, David enjoyed flying his Cessna 195 out of the Nashua and Spruce Creek airports.  He was a member of the QB Pilots Group and always enjoyed breakfast outings with his fellow aviators and friends in New Hampshire and Florida.

David was a member of St. Luke's Anglican Church in Amherst, NH.

In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his wife Caroline, and his brother, Douglas Newkirk.

Members of David's family include a son, David D. Newkirk, Jr. and his significant other Akiyo Kodera of Brunswick, ME; daughter and son in-law, Pamela and Steven Patterson of Merrimack, NH; granddaughter, Anastasia Newkirk and her significant other Jayme Bellofatto, Jr. of Milford, MA; Zachary Newkirk of Walpole, MA; great granddaughter Melina Georgia Bellofatto; brother Daniel Newkirk of Charlotte, NC; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

Please join David's friends and family to celebrate his life and share stories at LaBelle Winery in Amherst, New Hampshire on Thursday, November 30 at 12:30 p.m.

For those who wish, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Brookhaven Hospice, 2 Bedford Farms Drive, Bedford, NH 03110