David C. Leinberry, Sr.

In Loving Memory of David Crookes Leinberry, Sr. (1930-2025)

    David Leinberry, beloved father, husband, business owner, veteran, and supporter of his family, passed away peacefully at home on May 3, 2025 surrounded by his family. He was 94.

    Born in Newton, Massachusetts, David was an athlete and loved to work with his hands. He graduated from Newton High School, attended Northeastern University for a year, joined the National Guard and later served in the Korean conflict. He married Rose Marie “Terry” LeBlanc Williams in 1953, He started Leinberry Motors in Sherborn, Massachusetts, later changed the name Sherborn Motor Sales Inc. with partner Bob O'Connell. In 1971 they became one of the first Subaru Dealers in the Northeast. He and his partner Robert A. O’Connell, moved the business to Natick in 1981. Now known as Natick Subaru, they were the #1 Subaru dealer in US sales in 1984, #2 in 1983. They sold the business in February 1991.

    He and Terry celebrated 71 years of marriage last year. Often seen working on his prize winning lawn, washing the car, doing home projects or helping out at church, David was always busy doing what needed to be done.

    Prior to residing in Tiverton, RI he lived in Framingham, Massachusetts till 1984 and Southborough, MA till 2004. He attended St Andrews Church in Framingham, later attending St. Paul’s Church in Portsmouth, RI.

    Due to his dementia, he became a resident of the Veteran’s home in Bristol, Rhode Island for several years. The family will always be indebted to the love and care the Veteran’s home staff provided as his memory failed.

    He will be fondly remembered with a: paint brush, car wash sponge, weedwhacker, or hammer in his hand, always helping out and making his environment better. He and Terry enjoyed travel to visit daughter Beth (Navy) kids, where ever she was on duty, CA, VA, NJ, London, in addition recreational travel with friends to: Ireland, St Thomas, their home in New Hampshire, and on several cruises to the Caribbean with family and or friends. Many will remember the stories of Daves' Lake Amphibious plane, a hobby he embraced in his early retirement. A gentle spirit and always with a ready smile, he was loved by all who knew him.

    He leaves behind three children, Beth Leinberry of Portsmouth, RI, Gayle Leinberry and her partner Hugh McCusker of Bedford, MA, and David Leinberry, JR of Marblehead, MA. He will be missed by his four grandchildren, Leo Makowski, Micah Makowski, Madelyn Leinberry, and Sierra Leinberry. He is predeceased by his parents, Wilbur and Joanna Leinberry, and his brother W. Stanley Leinberry. He is survived by his brothers Richard Leinberry and Charles Leinberry. He was always there to lend a hand and help out with the kids or grandkids.

    David lived with integrity, grace, a humble spirit, and faithful love and support to all he knew. His legacy will live on in the countless memories of him helping those around him and making his world a better place. We will miss you dad.

    A private burial service will be held at Pocasset Cemetery in Tiverton with a Celebration of Life to be held at a later date.