Obituary for David Francis Willett
David Francis Willett peacefully passed away with his family and caretakers from Kimball Farms Nursing Care and Hospice Care in the Berkshires by his side after a heroic battle with cancer.
David was an amazing brother and he made fast friends everywhere he went. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, had a story to tell, and met folks with a compassionate heart as well as a sarcastic and devilish wit. His Facebook description fit him perfectly, “Hard working easygoing loves helping others avid cyclist.” On Instagram, he describes himself as, “Hard working loyal and easy going, goes with the flow open-minded and a loyal friend.” David’s kindness, loyalty and good humor will be missed.
David never stopped from the day he was born. He was one of the hardest workers you would ever know whether it was restaurant work, catering, construction, snow plowing or landscaping. Wherever he went he would offer to help anyone in need and was ready with great stories and conversation. He often worked with no expectation of getting paid but just to help people out. David loved to ride his bike and trained for many years so he could bike in breast cancer fundraisers and other chartable races.
Coffee, Chocolate, Lorna doons, chocolate pudding and Smartfood Caramel Popcorn. To the end, these were his favorite treats which he loved to indulge. The wafting smell of hot coffee was often coming from his room, and he was quick to offer nurses and aides a cup of coffee and snacks when they stopped by.
There are so many great memories that we have of David and all of his accomplishments during his too short 58-year life journey. David moved to Westbrook Connecticut in 1994 and worked for many years in area businesses and restaurants. One of his proudest accomplishments was earning his Emergency Medical Responder certificate and working as an EMR for Westbrook Ambulance Association. He often rode his bike to spend time just hanging out with his colleagues, helping out with repairs and making sure every ambulance was spotless.
David faced many challenges, but always persevered with a smile, a joke and good humor.
He NEVER gave up. When he was diagnosed with cancer last October, amidst a global pandemic, his first thoughts were not of himself, but making sure his treatments would not inconvenience his employer and colleagues at the Bass Water Grill in Cheshire, MA. During treatments, he often remarked that he missed his boss Ed Basse, all the staff and being at work. It was his primary hope to return to work as soon as possible. Special thanks to Ed Basse and the entire staff at the Bass Water Grill who supported David like family. David loved going to work every day. But what he cherished most was the love and support he was given by his boss and colleagues.
Thank you to all of the many Doctors and Nurses at the Berkshire Medical Cancer Center, Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center and Hospice Care in the Berkshires who supported and cared for David.
Thank you to all the family and friends who supported David, including those who travelled great distances to visit him, and who left posts supporting him. David was so appreciative of the support and love and it made him happy.
A service will not be held at this time, but a private memorial tribute will be held when it is safer for folks to gather. Memorial Funds have been setup in David’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the following organizations that supported David throughout the years.
David wanted to remember him by supporting these agencies who mentored and supported his first responder journey:
Westbrook Ambulance Association
PO Box #682
Westbrook, CT 06498
Durham Volunteer Fire Company
P.O. Box #154
Durham, CT. 06422
David was an amazing brother and he made fast friends everywhere he went. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, had a story to tell, and met folks with a compassionate heart as well as a sarcastic and devilish wit. His Facebook description fit him perfectly, “Hard working easygoing loves helping others avid cyclist.” On Instagram, he describes himself as, “Hard working loyal and easy going, goes with the flow open-minded and a loyal friend.” David’s kindness, loyalty and good humor will be missed.
David never stopped from the day he was born. He was one of the hardest workers you would ever know whether it was restaurant work, catering, construction, snow plowing or landscaping. Wherever he went he would offer to help anyone in need and was ready with great stories and conversation. He often worked with no expectation of getting paid but just to help people out. David loved to ride his bike and trained for many years so he could bike in breast cancer fundraisers and other chartable races.
Coffee, Chocolate, Lorna doons, chocolate pudding and Smartfood Caramel Popcorn. To the end, these were his favorite treats which he loved to indulge. The wafting smell of hot coffee was often coming from his room, and he was quick to offer nurses and aides a cup of coffee and snacks when they stopped by.
There are so many great memories that we have of David and all of his accomplishments during his too short 58-year life journey. David moved to Westbrook Connecticut in 1994 and worked for many years in area businesses and restaurants. One of his proudest accomplishments was earning his Emergency Medical Responder certificate and working as an EMR for Westbrook Ambulance Association. He often rode his bike to spend time just hanging out with his colleagues, helping out with repairs and making sure every ambulance was spotless.
David faced many challenges, but always persevered with a smile, a joke and good humor.
He NEVER gave up. When he was diagnosed with cancer last October, amidst a global pandemic, his first thoughts were not of himself, but making sure his treatments would not inconvenience his employer and colleagues at the Bass Water Grill in Cheshire, MA. During treatments, he often remarked that he missed his boss Ed Basse, all the staff and being at work. It was his primary hope to return to work as soon as possible. Special thanks to Ed Basse and the entire staff at the Bass Water Grill who supported David like family. David loved going to work every day. But what he cherished most was the love and support he was given by his boss and colleagues.
Thank you to all of the many Doctors and Nurses at the Berkshire Medical Cancer Center, Kimball Farms Nursing Care Center and Hospice Care in the Berkshires who supported and cared for David.
Thank you to all the family and friends who supported David, including those who travelled great distances to visit him, and who left posts supporting him. David was so appreciative of the support and love and it made him happy.
A service will not be held at this time, but a private memorial tribute will be held when it is safer for folks to gather. Memorial Funds have been setup in David’s memory, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the following organizations that supported David throughout the years.
David wanted to remember him by supporting these agencies who mentored and supported his first responder journey:
Westbrook Ambulance Association
PO Box #682
Westbrook, CT 06498
Durham Volunteer Fire Company
P.O. Box #154
Durham, CT. 06422