David W. Kelly

Thomaston – David W. “Grinch” Kelly, 74, passed away on Saturday, December 10, of small cell lung cancer. He was the husband of Deborah Kelly for 39 years. He leaves his son David Kelly Jr. and dear friend and daughter, Raquel Solomon. Good friends that stood by his side include, Christine D’Amato, Lori Buchas, Brenda Wilson, Suzanne Diorio and the abundance of prayers from the Father’s and parishioners of Lourdes Shrine in Litchfield. Additional family members include Virginia Nardozzi, Susan Amnott, Lori Austin and numerous cousins.

David was a former Middlebury Police Officer and Detective, an auctioneer, appraiser and owner of Rudy’s Estate Auctions for over a decade and following that he was a salesman for Modern Motors. He served on the Thomaston Democratic Town Committee and was a former member of the Waterbury Lions Club. He enjoyed cardiac therapy at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, always striving to be stronger on a weekly basis.

He graduated from Housatonic Community College and from the Culinary Institute in Farmington in his later years. He spoiled family and friends with his delicacies and baking talent. His chocolate truffles and rum balls were a special act of love made by him.

He also loved his devoted pets who will miss him for he loved them with all his heart. The old crew is enjoying him now in heaven. He enjoyed dancing to live bands at Mulligans and the Brass Horse and had many happy memories which will live forever. His favorite saying when tipping the staff at each establishment was “the extra 50 cents is for you”. His wit, sarcasm and honest humor will be forever remembered by his family and friends throughout their life times.

Out of respect for the family please wear a mask during the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to the Smilow Cancer Hospital (for small cell lung cancer) YNHH Development Office P.O. Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508 PLEASE put on memo line thoracic oncology program – small cell lung cancer of to the Cancer Research Foundation in Chicago by visiting www.cancerresearchfdn.org/recipient/small-cell-lung-cancer