David C. Hawkins

David C. Hawkins passed away on August 27, 2021 at the age of 82.  Dave was the beloved husband of 57 years to Patricia Wanless Hawkins.  Devoted father and grandfather to Mark Hawkins, his wife Carrie and their children David and Eylse of Shutesbury; Owen Hawkins, his wife Joanne and their sons John and Dylan. Son of Lester G and Bessie Hawkins, the youngest of four,  brother to the late Lester, Robert and Janet (Meal) Hawkins, brother-in-law to the late David Wanless and Gail Scannell. He was a loving uncle to ten nieces and nephews.

While Dave resided in Waltham, his life centered around Belmont where he was born and raised  until the age 79.  Dave spent his summers in Duxbury making memories with his family and friends since he was a child. 

He attended Belmont Hill School (1950-57); Harvard University (1956-60); and Harvard Law School (1961-64).  Dave co-founded Morrissey, Hawkins and Lynch (Boston, MA)  in 1989 with Robert J. Morrissey. He was a mentor to countless law clerks and associates over the years and when consulted, was known for his insightful advice right up until his passing.  

Later in his life he earned his teaching degree at UMass Boston in 2000.   In 2001, Dave fulfilled his passion in his second career as a beloved teacher of Latin at Newton North High School, having retired this past spring. In addition, he was a law professor at New England School of Law,  taught at Boston School of Architecture and spent a semester teaching Latin at Belmont Hill School. 

Sports rounded out Dave’s interest.  His love of sports started at age seven when he attended his first Red Sox and Harvard football games with his father, a coveted tradition he carried on with his sons, grandchildren and nephew.  He was an enormous sports fan, always favoring the teams and sports played by his sons and grandchildren, Dave was in the stands rain or shine no matter the time. He coached Belmont Babe Ruth Baseball for over 14  years and wrote the sports column for the Belmont Citizen newspaper when he was in his twenties.  For an impressive 31 years, as a volunteer he ran the time clock at Harvard hockey home games  demonstrating his love of sports, Harvard, and youth athletics.  

Dave adored his family especially his grandchildren whom he cherished more than anything.  He worked to better his community, was an avid reader, lover of traditional Country music, and sports (watching with his family or friends in the stands or on TV).  Dave was a force that touched many lives and guided many athletes, professionals  and students over the years.  Dave's legacy can be seen through his children, grandchildren and friendships, some of which span 70 plus years. Dave was a great man, and an excellent friend and colleague to all who knew him.   

In celebration of Dave, please join his beloved family for visiting hours Wednesday, September 1, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Brown & Hickey Funeral Home, 36 Trapelo Rd., Belmont. A burial service will be held on Thursday, September 2, starting at 11:15 am  at Belmont Cemetery, 121 Grove St, Belmont.  

In lieu of flowers the family requests we keep Dave’s legacy alive through donations to:  The David C. Hawkins Latin Award, Newton North High School, attn: Scholarship, 457 Walnut St., Newton, MA 02460. Please make checks payable to the City of Newton. 

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