HANOVER, NH — Surrounded by many of his loved ones, J. David Magagna passed away quietly and peacefully on the 10th of March 2020, as a result of complications following a recent stroke.
David was born on May 6, 1936, in White Haven, Pennsylvania, to Peter F. Magagna, Jr. and Muriel (Hauser) Magagna. After graduating fromWhite Haven High School in 1954, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Under the sponsorship of the Air Force, he studied foreign languages at Yale and Georgetown Universities. He was posted to Japan, where he worked in top-secret cryptography. After being honorably discharged in 1958, he began his long and distinguished career in the music industry by joining the sales department of the C. F. Martin Guitar Company, and 10 years later, he earned a senior role as vice-president. With his familiarity with languages, he specialized in international sales for Martin-a role he later played as a senior executive for other major companies, including Taylor Guitars, Gurian Guitars, and Paul Reed Smith Guitars, and as president of Guild Guitars. In semi-retirement in 2001, Davidvolunteered nine months of his time helping to deal with the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on New York City.
David was an extraordinary and remarkable man. Along with his business acumen and instincts, he had many hobbies and interests; he was a voracious reader, a sportsman, a lover of fine food and wine, and an expert on classicalart and music. He was always working and traveling abroad, wherehe made it a point to visit the local art museums (the Prado in Madrid was his favorite) and to attend performances in many of the small and also great concert halls of the world-from the Staatsoper in Vienna to La Scala in Milan and the extraordinary Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires. He loved the outdoors and was a passionate hiker, kayaker, hunter, and fisher- mainly in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Montana. He was an expert downhill skier and worked as a ski instructor in his spare time. He played several other sports in his youth, including tennis and basketball. David was also a trained Scuba diver and Scuba instructor, andamong many other honors, he earned a third degree black belt in Karate while stationed in Japan.
He was predeceased by his parents, his son Matthew, his beloved wife Martha Parker, his brother Peter Magagna lll, and his sister Muriel Gumienny. He is survived by his brother John Magagna and by his children Susan Magagna (Woody) Allen, Lydia Magagna, Megan Magagna (Anthony) Sos, David Wolff Magagna, and Aaron (Laura) Magagna. He is also survived by his former wives Avis Mrozinski, Anne Lockwood Garnier,and Diane Laputka Magagna; by his grandchildren, Shelby, Devon, Danielle and Colby; by one great-grandson, Cameron; and by numerous nieces and nephews who adored him.
David lived a life filled with passion, excitement, love, and adventure, and he will be sorely missed by his friends and family. A gathering to celebrate David’s life will be held at a time and place still to be determined. Those wishing to make contributions in David’s memory may send them to Listen Community Services, 60 Hanover St., Lebanon, NH 03766 and/or to the Ledyard Charter School, 239 Hanover St., Lebanon, NH 03766.