David Langdon Prouty passed away at his home in Sheffield on December 19, 2020, with his life partner at his side. The middle son of Georgiana (Monroe) and Herbert Prouty, David was born on July 30, 1928, in Rutland, Mass. After he graduated from Rutland High School, his mother signed for him to join the army at the age of 17. He was stationed in Japan during the Occupation.
When he returned, David took classes at UMass and then, in 1949, entered Colgate University as a junior, graduating in 1951. Upon leaving Colgate, he moved to New Orleans, where he earned his Master’s degree and a PhD in Psychology from Tulane University.
In 1958, David began a distinguished 32-year career as a professor at Middlebury College in Vermont. In September 1998, he moved to Sheffield, where he raised corn and pumpkins on Howden Farm.
David had a wry sense of humor. He had an incredible and diverse intellect which ranged well beyond his PhD. David was a deeply faithful Christian, serving in many public roles within the church, including as the Verger of St. Paul’s Cathedral in the Diocese of Vermont. His personal devotion led him in recent years to take on the challenge of reading the Bible in a year. As part of his daily devotion, he would study the Saints for each day, always on a journey to expand his knowledge and his faith.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 11 a.m., with Rev. Erik Karas presiding, at Christ Trinity Church, 180 Main Street, Sheffield, MA 01257, followed by interment in the Memorial Garden and a reception in the Parish Hall.
