Chief David L. Thiboutot, Frfd, Ret.

Chief David L. Thiboutot, FRFD, “Ret.” 69, of Rehoboth, passed away Tuesday, September 14, 2021.

Born in Fall River, he was the son of the late Octave R. and Marie Berthe (Cote) Thiboutot.  He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and earned a Bachelor of Fire Science from Providence College.

David was appointed to the City of Fall River Fire Department in 1974. Rising through the ranks he served as the Chief Training Officer for many years, ultimately being appointed to Chief of the Department in August of 2004. He retired from the department he so loved in 2008.

David was a member of the Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association, the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. He was also a longtime Fire Science instructor at Bristol Community College.

In 1982, he along with his two brothers, Marc and Rene, opened the Down Under, which is now called St. James Irish Pub. He was a founding member and president of the “Venda Boyz.” He enjoyed history, skiing, walking, and was an avid Boston sports fan.

He was the loving and proud father of Chelsea M. Thiboutot (husband Marc I. Boyd) and Mikaela M. Thiboutot; former husband of Elaine M. Perry; the brother of Rene Thiboutot (wife Lynn), Suzanne Thiboutot, and the late Madeleine Marois, Henri Thiboutot, Captain Marc Thiboutot, FRFD, “Ret,” and Gloria Thiboutot; uncle of many nieces and nephews; best friend of Chief Stephen J. Rivard, SFD, Ret.

Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Auclair Funeral Home, 690 So.Main St. Fall River.  His funeral will be held Saturday at 9:45 A.M. from the funeral home with a Funeral Mass at St. Joseph Church, at 11:00 A.M.  Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lewy Body Dementia Assn.