Obituary of David Robert Fields

David Robert Fields, known to many friends as "Julio," passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2025 at his home. He was born on November 26, 1960 in Phillipsburg, NJ to the late Cecil and Joyce Fields.

David grew up in Hampton and graduated from North Hunterdon High School in 1979. An avid hunter and outdoorsman, he was passionate about spending time in nature. David fondly looked back on the times he shared with his brother Chris and his father as members of the Mahakaway Deer Club based out of Roy's Bar and Grill on Jugtown Mountain. He was fascinated by locomotives, often visiting local train crossings and bridges to watch them pass, with a thermos filled with hot coffee in hand. David also loved baseball, faithfully cheering for the New York Yankees, and was an enthusiastic NASCAR fan, especially devoted to Dale Earnhardt. 

At the age of 18, David first set foot in the Hampton Fire Department and dedicated himself to faithful volunteer service there for over 45 years. Though in recent years he was not able to respond to working fire calls as he had when younger, he remained a constant presence at the firehouse, always helping in any way he could.

David worked as a custodian at Patrick McGaheran Elementary School for over 35 years, where he was beloved by staff and students alike.

David is survived by his brother, Christopher Fields, and his aunt, Carolyn Cordes, as well as a large extended family. He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil R. Fields and Joyce Fields.

Family and friends are invited to gather for memorial visitation on Tuesday, July 1, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Knoll DeVoe Funeral Home and Cremation Service, located at 142 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. Visitation will continue on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home, followed by a funeral prayer service at 11:00 AM. David will be laid to rest at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery in Hampton, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory may be made to Hampton Fire Company #13, 1 Wells Ave., Hampton, NJ 08827.