1930 – March 27, 2022
David Stephen Powell, of Cheshire, CT and Northfield, MA, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2022 at age 91 after a brave battle against cancer.
Dave spent most of his younger years in Northfield, MA, where he had deep family roots going back to D.L. Moody. Dave attended Mt. Hermon prep school outside of Northfield and Yale University. While at Yale, he met the love of his life, Lucia. After graduating, Dave served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, and then began his career at Southern New England Telephone.
Dave and Lucia have lived in Cheshire, CT since 1966 and spent as much time as possible at their cottage on Rustic Ridge in Northfield.
Dave enthusiastically loved life. He loved his vegetable gardens, which seemed to get bigger and bigger each year, playing tennis and golf with friends and family, working with the Moody Institute to preserve the legacy of D.L. Moody, and later in life cheering on UCONN’s women’s basketball team. Dave also had a beautiful singing voice, which he was happy to share for any occasion, large or small. He was a member and active alumnus of the Yale Whiffenpoofs, traveled the world with the Yale Alumni Chorus, was a chorus member for various productions of the opera company in New Haven, and sang in numerous church choirs, including at Elim Park where he last resided.
One of Dave’s highest compliments was that someone was “a do-er,” and Dave personified that quality. In Cheshire, his winter “snow table parties” – basically cookouts in the middle of winter — were enjoyed by friends and family alike, who had no idea drinking sherry and eating a burger in the freezing cold could be so much fun. In Northfield, he was a co-conspirator in gathering the Rustic Ridge community for lobster bakes, pig roasts, two-o’clock tennis, hymn sings, bridge tournaments, family reunions, and general good fun.
Dave loved his family, his siblings, Virginia, Ted and Jack, who predeceased him, his nieces and nephews, his own children Tim and John and their spouses, Eve and Heather, and his five grandchildren, Ian, Jibreel, Mackenzie, Henry and Gideon. But no one lit up his smile more than Lucia, his wife of 67 years, to whom he was devoted. Their marriage and love are inspirations to us all. All along the way, Dave’s infectious energy, humor, gift of gab and kindness touched everyone he met. No matter your age or station in life, Dave made you feel special.
A Celebration of life will be held Saturday July 30th at the Trinitarian Congregational Church and a reception to follow at Hibbard Hall (part of The Moody Center) on the campus.
Kidder Funeral Home, 1 Parker Ave. Northfield, Ma. Is in charge of arrangements. To send condolences please visit www.kidderfuneralhome.com.