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David Smalley Obituary
David was a sculptor and professor emeritus at Connecticut College in New London, where he taught studio art from 1965 to 2002 and co-founded the Center for Arts and Technology. He worked in stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, and laminated wood, among other media. His work spanned numerous styles, and he explored many themes over the course of his career. Many of his sculptures are kinetic. He had more than 50 solo, two-person and invitational shows in the United States, England and Japan, including a mid-career retrospective at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London in 1997. He was represented by galleries in Connecticut, New York and Florida.
David was born in New London, to the late Theodore and Jeanette Smalley, and graduated from New London High School and the University of Connecticut. He earned a master of fine arts degree from Indiana University.
His passions included rowing and music. He was active socially and in his numerous communities, including the worldwide online support group for sufferers of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
He leaves his wife, Linda; sons, Eric and Ted; daughters-in-law, Kim and Adriene; and grandson, Toby.
There will be no funeral or calling hours. A memorial service will be held on a date to be determined.
David's family encourages those wishing to honor his memory to make donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio St., Suite 304, Chicago, IL 60611.
To leave a comment in the online guestbook, go to www.dignitymemorial.com and search on David Smalley under Find an Obituary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Smalley
Dave Fairman
June 9, 2025
Rest in Peace Dave
Tracey Koff
October 9, 2016
Sorry to hear of Davis's passing. He made an indelible impact on his students and the whole Conn College community.
David "Doc" Kenney
April 7, 2016
May your family have strength to carry on now without you.
May I meet you again in the hereafter.
David "Doc" Kenney
April 7, 2016
If there is any hope that we may meet again in some hereafter, I now can only hope and wait and hope and wait.
For Linda, Ted and Eric and your whole family, I pray for them to be able to carry on without you
Jenn Collins
April 2, 2016
Too difficult to sum up what an impact my college sculpture professor, honours mentor, and friend had on my life. Working in his studio to prep for his retrospective, getting me through my senior year art degree, finding me my first job out of school and connecting me to Jim Stidfole and the Hygienic...the list goes on... David and Linda have always been supporters in my life and I am a little lonely knowing my "art-dad" has left the planet. He did so well in his time here, I am proud to have been one of his fortunate students. Much Love, Jenn
Linda Smalley
November 4, 2015
A memorial service will be held for David on Saturday, April 2, 2016 at noon at the Harkness Chapel on the Connecticut College campus. At reception at Blaustein will follow.
Chaz Moser
November 2, 2015
Linda, Eric, and Ted,
I am so sorry for your loss. In the weeks since I learned of David's passing I have wanted to post a comment, but frankly, he played such a significant role in my life I have struggled to condense my feelings into a few short sentences. So, I must go back a few decades to sort it out.
When I went to Connecticut College in 1973 I realized early on that I wanted to major in Studio Art, something that was less than pleasing to my parents.
Though I had more in common stylistically with other art professors at Connecticut College, I discovered that no one would challenge me more or be a stronger advocate than David Smalley. Though he was a sculptor and I a painter, He became my adviser. He was the greatest teacher I ever had, anywhere. And, having taught me HOW to see, he encouraged me to push my vision and go wherever it led me. Even after graduate school he remained the only former teacher who ever fully accepted me as an equal in the community of artists. I remember vividly the strength of his fatherly hugs when greeting at the opening celebration of an exhibition.
In later years, when David finally received the critical acclaim which had eluded him as a young artist, and which came to me before I had a clue how to receive it, he continued to mentor me whenever I reached out to him. His honesty and willingness to freely share both his accomplishments and his vulnerabilities about any aspect of life revealed an inner solidity that was empowering to me.He filled a need of mine to be seen by an older man who could listen to my life concerns, and in response, share his own inmost thoughts.
David's restless intellect and wonderful sense of humor made every interaction memorable. He demonstrated,simply by his own daily practice, that a life informed by artistic inquiry is the epitome of a life well-lived.
Though I miss him terribly right now, I am very grateful that he was in my life for so long. I will keep his spirit close to my heart for the rest of my days.
Chaz Moser
Geneva, NY
Alvin Sher
October 24, 2015
Where can I start missing such a close and important friend.
We met a hundred years ago in graduate school and stayed in touch moving endlessly, building houses, divorces and marriages, titles, welding and molten metal, boating and great kids and wives.
All of this and more, crazy and wonderful travels and experiments, and being there for both our joys and health issues.
What I can remember and share of our days and times as crazy sculptors will always find us together.
Peggie Walker
October 19, 2015
Dear Linda
I am so sorry to hear of the sad news about David. He was such a lovely man , immensely talented and also instrumental in Roy's life.
I have such fond memories of his St Ives year and also when the four of us spent time in Glastonbury , the day you and I first met. I am sending all my love and wishes to you and Ted and Eric . Two lovely men together again.
Lots of love Peggie and family
St . Ives
England
October 12, 2015
Dearest Linda and family,
Mark and I send our deepest condolences at this sad time. David was a talented sculptor, a wonderful colleague and dear friend. Mark and I were so lucky to have known him. We will truly miss his friendship and kind spirit.
Love, Pam and Mark
Joseph &Christine Rossetti
October 11, 2015
We were so saddened to learn of David's passing. We were hoping that he would beat this awful disease and receive the transplant. Our prayers are with you.
October 10, 2015
How like unpredictable life---to have a productive, talented, full of life, dear nephew downed by a hardly known, idopathic evil disease. How unfair. How undeserved. To take a family member, the only one we had, who loved the sea, life and art so much he wanted everyone to have good sculpture to sail along with them on their boats.He was unique, ever loyal to the family, delightful and unforgetable.
Aunt Nancy ad Uncle Jack Petoskey, Michigan
Mark Stevens
October 10, 2015
Dear Linda,
My heart goes out to you --I was completely unaware of David's illness and am deeply stunned and saddened to learn of his passing.
We go about our hectic lives mistakenly assuming that we'll be able to reconnect with the important figures in our past and that we'll surely have the chance to again convey our gratitude, fondness and respect. Regrettably, the last time I saw you and David was now many years ago at the retirement party you threw for him in New London.
More than the professor who taught me how to weld and guide artistic intuition and thought, David mentored me personally through his example of an inquiring and creative intellect, his strong work ethic and personal warmth. That he literally forged all of these qualities into such amazing works of art will always be an inspiration to me. Thank you David.
With my sincere condolences,
Mark Stevens
Connecticut College, '84
Ted Hendrickson
October 9, 2015
My heart goes out to you Linda and the rest of the family. Only time can heal. David was an important mentoring voice for me as a young, aspiring artist. Even though I was a high school student when we met, he took an interest in my creative efforts. He was instrumental in guiding my path into teaching. As colleague, department chairman and mentor, David's influence on CC's Art Department is incalculable. A formidable draftsman, innovative sculptor and pioneer in digital technology in the arts, David helped shape our curriculum into what it is today.
Ulrika Molin
October 8, 2015
David made the World a softer and nicer place to be. He spread warmth and security all around him. I watched him being the best of friends to my former father in law, he gave me self confidence as a young mother when I most needed it. I spent many nice dinners and holidays in his company and he was always so supportive, clever and gave great perspective to life.
October 7, 2015
Our deepest sympathies go out to you Linda, and family, on David's passing.... he was a wonderful, special man...
and he will be missed by many. May fond memories help to comfort you in these difficult days ahead.
Phyllis and Barry
Richard Stasio
October 7, 2015
I took a few Sculpture Classes with Mr. Smalley at Connecticut College as a student in the early 90s. I also worked in The Center for Arts and Technology with him. He was an amazing teacher and person. He cared so much about my work like he was an old friend that had known me his whole life.
October 7, 2015
To My Dear Friend David's Family, It is with great sadness that I have heard about David. I have not seen him for many years now, but he has been a big part of my life and in my thoughts throughout the years. He was such a dear, deep and caring friend and helped me immensely during a very difficult part of my life. It was not long ago that I asked Connecticut College Alumni Association for his email so that I could reach out to him after all these years, but there was a turn of events in my life and I procrastinated writing to him and now I am so sorry I didn't get in touch with him. He remains a true friend in my heart and he will sincerely be missed. My sincere condolences to his family. Dorie (Mandel) Webster (France)
Rick Bernardo
October 6, 2015
Though I did not know David well, I was and am close to some of the students in whose lives he made such a difference: they are grieving deeply now. From playing soft ball with him in the 70s, and through the lives of my Conn. College friends today, I acknowledge David A. Smalley's great life.
Rachel Gendell
October 6, 2015
Linda and family: I am so very sorry about David. He was a good friend and he will be missed. You have my deepest sympathy. I've got you in my pocket. All my love, Rachel Gendell
Johanna Bartlett
October 6, 2015
David Smalley made a huge difference in my college experience because of his personal interest in students' wellbeing as well as his ability to teach the importance of responsibility for making our world a better place. So often he asked me, "Where's your outrage?
Johanna Browne Bartlett
October 6, 2015
To David's family; I have only known David for a few weeks through the L&M Pulmonary Rehab Program. He showed such bravery and determination in working to control his condition. I hope I can emulate his efforts. I will miss him . Mary E. Kish
Judith Summers
October 6, 2015
I will always remember David for taking the time to encourage my fiance' to get out on the water and row a skull during a very difficult period. David will never be forgotten for all that he did as an artist and an athlete. May his beloved family and friends be cared for with comfort and love during this challenging time.
Anne Armand
October 6, 2015
He was a lovely man, talented in so many ways. I have wonderful memories of our childhood and continued friendship. Please accept my condolences and love.
October 5, 2015
Linda and family,
We are so sorry to hear about David's passing. He will be missed by all who knew him.
We always talk about the two of you whenever we look at our sculpture
which has a prominent place in our dining room.
We will talk you soon.
Love and hugs, Lois and Peter
Mikkel Lippmann
October 5, 2015
David was my major senior advisor and teacher at CC from 1988 to 1989. He was by far one of the most wonderful teachers and professors I have ever had. David made a difference and a footprint in this world. My condolences to Davids family.
Cindy Sutter
October 5, 2015
My heart goes out to you and the boys.
Sue Nutt
October 5, 2015
David was a great man. He was also a great friend. I will miss you forever. I feel like there is a great big hole where his genius created the beautiful art. Linda, whatever I can do to help you, I will. Please call me whenever you need a friend.
Love, Sue
October 4, 2015
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of David. He was a great man and we will always remember him. Our prays are with him and the family.
Matt and Diana McNichol (Mercury Computers)
Patricia Kruszewski
October 4, 2015
To a wonderful man whom I have had as a friend and who I had called Dad. You have always been there for me,I will miss you very much and now its my time to help you watch over Mom(Linda) you will always be with us..
Vicki Frausini-Moran
October 4, 2015
I have only known David for a few months and I know I will never forget him. I am so saddened by this loss.
I thought we could get there, David, I really did.
His determination and drive to keep on exercising and do all he could do to live was exceptional.
It has been an honor to have our paths meet, I just wish the journey could have been longer.
My condolences to all of David's family and friends.
Vicki Frausini-Moran-Resp. Therapist
(L+M Pulmonary Rehab. Program)
October 4, 2015
David remains with all of us through his friends, family, students, apprentices and, of course, his art work. We were blessed to have had him in OUR lives and count ourselves among the fortunate to be able to look out into our yard and revel in his artistic vision every day and every night.
Jim Florey
October 4, 2015
We have lost an interesting and interested man. Linda, you have lost much more. My thoughts and hopes go to you.
john patrick day
October 4, 2015
My fellow Sagittarius friend and Snow bird..... I loved our yearly visits here in florida. Our conversations were always enlightening and witty. I am sorry I will no longer see you, however I take comfort knowing you are now rowing with the big boys... my love to Linda and your family... I love the Smalleys.....
Linda & Fran Sweeney
October 4, 2015
We have been privileged to view David's art every day as we walked past your home. His memory will always live on in his incredible work. Our sincere sympathy.
Linda & Fran Sweeney
morena molarella
October 3, 2015
You will be missed
Linda Smalley
October 2, 2015
David, I love you more than anything and will forever. Every day of our life together was a joy. Until we meet again......Linda
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