David Karas Sandler, 59, of North Reading, MA, formerly of Peabody, MA, died peacefully at home on July 11, 2016 surrounded by his adoring family after a courageous nine-month battle against pancreatic cancer.
David was born in Boston, MA on January 29, 1957 to the late Lola and Charles Karas and was raised in Peabody, MA by his mother and adoptive father, Jason Sandler. David was a graduate of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Class of 1975 where he met his wife, Suzanne (Lucey) Sandler, of nearly 37 years. Together they built their home in Peabody (and later in North Reading) where they raised their two beautiful daughters, Lindsay and Kelli.
In 1977, after two years at Northeastern University, David decided to dedicate his focus to his industrial supply company, Dancorp. He then joined MSC Industrial Supply Co. in 1989 when the company acquired Dancorp. During his 25-plus years with MSC, David contributed greatly to the company’s growth and success. He served in a range of leadership roles prior to being named President in 2003 and Chief Executive Officer in 2005. He was appointed Executive Vice Chairman of MSC’s Board of Directors in 2013.
In addition to a career he loved, David was a true family man. He delighted in spending time with family and friends at his second home (lovingly named "Camp David") on Lake Winnipesaukee where he enjoyed boating, barbecuing, dining out, and hot tubbing. A frequent traveler, David spent several weeks each year in Highland Beach, FL and, within the last few years, vacationed in the Galapagos Islands, Israel, Europe, and California, as well as embarked on many Caribbean cruises. He will be remembered for his unwavering integrity and loyalty, his humble nature despite his great success, his generosity and positive attitude, and most of all for his undying love for and dedication to his family.
In addition to his wife, David is survived by his father Jason Sandler of Burlington, MA, and his children; Lindsay and husband Nathan Fletcher of North Reading, MA; Kelli Sandler and fiancé Adam Cucurull of North Reading, MA. He was beloved "Manmar" to his grandbabies Noah and Ava Cucurull, and Benjamin Fletcher. David leaves his brothers Richard Sandler and wife Camille of Amesbury, MA and Scott Sandler and wife Amber of Houston, TX, as well as his sister Joy Abramovitz and husband Jeffrey of Burlington, MA. He is also survived by his beloved Karas and Gershkowitz cousins, aunt, nephews and niece, great nephews and great niece, and many dear friends. David is predeceased by his parents.
A funeral service to celebrate David's life will be held on Wednesday, July 13 at 11:30 am at Temple Tiferet Shalom, 489 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA followed by interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody, MA. Memorial observance will be held at his late residence on Wednesday, July 13 from 5-8pm, and on Thursday, July 14 from 4-8pm.
The family would like to offer special thanks to all the medical and spiritual teams that treated and cared for David throughout his journey: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (especially Dr. Matthew Yurgelun, Beth Goddard, and Caroline Sheehan), Brigham and Women's Hospital, Rabbi David Kudan, and finally, Care Dimensions Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in David’s memory to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, PO Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or to Temple Tiferet Shalom, 489 Lowell Street, Peabody, MA 01960. Arrangements by Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, Salem, MA. For online condolences, please visit www.stanetskyhymansonsalem.com
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