David L. Knowlton, 65, of Linebrook Road, Ipswich, died Monday morning September 15, 2008 in the Golden Living Healthcare Center in Gloucester following his extended illness.

Born in Melrose December 16, 1942, he was the son of the late Samuel L. and Dorothy (Macullar) Knowlton. He was a graduate of Melrose public schools. He moved to Newmarch Street in Ipswich in 1970 and bought Frank’s Volkswagen Clinic. A true Volkswagen aficionado, he operated Dave’s VW Clinic for the next thirty-eight years. He was also an avid sailor, and enjoyed spending time on Ipswich Bay and beyond.

He is survived by his son, Steven D. Knowlton and his wife Kristen of Ipswich, his daughter, Christine Knowlton of FL, grandchildren Camryn and Jordyn Knowlton of Ipswich, and his former wife, Judith Y. Knowlton of Rowley.

Private funeral services are under the direction of the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home of Ipswich.