David F. Lehto

David F. Lehto, age 80, died in the Tufts New England Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts on Friday, May 1, 2015. Born in the Lehto Family Home on Bullard Street in Walpole, Massachusetts on October 8, 1934, he was the son of the late Frederick and Sophie (Koestner) Lehto. When Dave was a young man, he took a position helping out at local farms. As a lifelong resident of Walpole, he graduated from the Norfolk County Agricultural School with the class of 1952, where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America. After graduation, Dave started his company, Lehto Contracting Co., in Walpole, installing asphalt driveways and plowing snow in the winter. He also held plowing accounts at Kendall Mills and Plimpton Press.

Shortly after high school, as a proud citizen of the United States, Dave volunteered for the National Guard to serve his country. Dave met his future wife, Mary C. Benjamin, and they were married on May 8, 1960. Dave built a home for them in Walpole, from the logs that were on the property. Dave and his wife, Mary, welcomed their two girls, Laurie, in 1961 and Lisa in 1963.

During the 1960's, the Lehto Contracting Company transitioned to a landscaping and excavating business, and Dave's company was contracted to maintain the Polaroid Plant in Norwood. He continued working, as recently as a year ago plowing snow for the Town of Walpole.

As a dedicated member of the community in Walpole, he was elected as Representative to Town Meeting, and later served on the Planning Board and the Adams Farm Committee. Dave was also very involved with the Norfolk County Agricultural High School in Walpole. He served in various capacities, including with the Alumni Association and was the current Trustee President.

Growing up on New Pond in Walpole gave Dave a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed riding snow mobiles when he was young as well as fishing on New Pond. As he got older, he purchased a condo near Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, where he enjoyed boating. He also enjoyed attending country fairs, parades, and big band concerts and was an avid Boston Bruins Fan. Most of all, Dave loved spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed following Ryan's hockey games and attending his Walpole High Band Concerts and Mollie's dance recitals and Saturday soccer games.

Beloved husband of Mary C. (Benjamin) Lehto.
Loving father of Laurie T. and her husband Michael Moore, Lisa A. and her husband Herbert Slack all of Walpole.
Cherished grandfather of Ryan Moore and Mollie Moore.
Brother of Linda Connors and Lee Lehto both of Walpole.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend David's Life Celebration on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 4 to 8 PM and Wednesday, May 6, 2015 from 9:30 to 10:00 AM in the James H. Delaney and
Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow in Highland Cemetery in Norwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in David's name may be made to: Norfolk County Agricultural School, c/o Superintendent, 400 Main Street, Walpole, MA 02081.