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David Shelley Obituary

Guitarist and bandleader David Shelley, a fixture on the South Florida blues scene, died Monday at 57.
Published by Sun-Sentinel from Aug. 10 to Aug. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Shelley

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144 Entries

Julie Airali

March 10, 2023

My father knew David working to get him a deal at Island Records. Thus I met and knew David. Such a nice guy, down to earth, great guitar player and vocalist. We connected and hung out often at local LA places chatting and hanging with he and his Indian friends. I really liked how sweet and down to earth he was. I was so sad to hear about this news. I thought to reach out . My Dad just passed away in July. Hope they are together making music in heaven. Love to you Daylin. Julie A.

Bradford Benggio

January 29, 2023

Still listening to your music. Wonderful legacy and memories

Rusty

June 19, 2021

Met him when he was 14 or 15. Playing guitar at his home. I dated his sister. He was just learning guitar... Nice guy....

Lambodara Das

July 31, 2016

David, I recall your soaring guitar solos and driving riffs. the memories bring a smile to my heart. You were a good man and superior musician. The times you gigged with the DAS BEAT BAND down at Eric Ericsson's Restaurant by the beach in Ventura Ca. all those years ago, As the old song says...'Those were the days my friend...' Well, Brother rest easy and Rock On !

The one and only David Shelley

May 16, 2016

Chuck Schaeffer

January 7, 2016

I will never forget the wonderful sessions at Ocean Sound Studios, your kindness and generosity toward me and my bandmates, the impromptu jams at Musicians Exchange and warm greetings we always shared no matter how much time elapsed between them.I will forever miss you and will never forget how talented and how great a person you truly were and how lucky I was to have you in my life.Thank you,my brother.

Randy Ridenour

January 7, 2016

May your soul shine always my friend.

Randy Ridenour

January 7, 2016

I had the pleasure of knowing him as my friend and as my band mate. He was a very unique individual. With his warm smile his funny laugh he would give and his big heart. His music and talent were just a bonus. I'm glad I got to know him better once I joined the bluestone family. There were many good times with this amazing band. There will never be another person I know that will have touched so many through his music and his spirit. I will always remember my good friend and never forget you. The big red machine. Rip my friend.

My life is better for having met you.

Pascal Poirier

November 26, 2015

Having had the honor of sharing the stage with David, on his invitation, helps me cope with the terrible loss in our Blues Family. RIP David.

phil POIRIER

November 24, 2015

Impossible to forget a guitarist so talented with so big feeling !
Which unforgettable evening in April, 2012 to Chef John's restaurant and will always stay in our memory and in our heart . Phil and Elisabeth

Maria MacIntyre

November 23, 2015

We miss you! See you on the other side my friend. Blessings!

Bella Mondschein

November 21, 2015

Love you forever

Wayne Drucker

October 31, 2015

Gone, but not forgotten! You will live forever in our Souls!

Bella Mondschein

October 26, 2015

Miss you everyday. Met you 13 years ago and was mesmerized and still your spirit lives on..

Cheryl "Cee Cee" Collins

September 21, 2015

In memory of my dear friend, and touring partner, Alberta Adams! "Still Missing You"!

September 4, 2015

Several years ago, I met David in St. Pete. I was going to see Roger Clemens pitch one of his last baseball games. I opened the balcony door at the hotel and this great blues sound came into my heart. David Shelley won over Clemens. David & I became friendly. I loved the man and his music and his laugh. We shared some wings and beer. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2008 and was seriously ill. I had a bucket list of things to do if I survived the cancer. One of the top items was to hear David on stage again. I survived, don't know why, but I did get to hear David again and share a beer and some wings with him. Heaven has great blues now from him.

Randy Manchester

August 29, 2015

Thank you so much, David. You are a beautiful person. I love your music!

William Richardson

August 27, 2015

I am very saddened to hear of David's passing. He was such a wonderful musician.
I did not know David personally but I had the opportunity to see him perform a couple of times. What a pleasure it was!

He filled my life with contentment and happiness those few hours I had the privilege to listen to him play.
Thank you David for sharing your time on earth with us fortunate souls.

deb richards

August 25, 2015

I play David's music CDs all the time. they are the only CDs out of the CD box. Loved watching David perform his music. I always made a plan to see him and Bluestones when they in town. Rest in Peace Mr. Shelley. I will miss you.

I will play one for you David.

David Morgan

August 25, 2015

I will miss you bro. I remember as a young kid you and Randy Bernsen would hang out at Modern Music with Tillman and me! Thank You for all the Music and LOVE!

August 24, 2015

Our deepest condolences, many fond memories of David. He will be missed.
Stephen and Lori Held

Marlene Berk

August 24, 2015

Was checking FB and found out Dave Shelley passed and was being honored AND I'm still in shock, since moving to Tampa almost 4 years ago I've been out of the loop... Sending my prayers to his family, fans and friends. RIP ❤

Cory Richards

August 23, 2015

David you left a huge hole in so many hearts and souls. We miss you. Such a cute, little "Valley" boy who loved to imitate the accent my New York parents called out our names. Rawooos. Cooooree. Dayyy-vid. Ross is waiting for you at his drum set in a garage in heaven. Enjoy.

Y

ELLEN SOUTHERN

August 23, 2015

Thinking of David Shelley & all the loved ones who could make the trip to Fort Lauderdale beach...One last moment with David to say they love him and love his talents as a musician, a friend, an actor a comedian & most of all his ability to continue being a good, kind & gentle human all the days of his life. David's beautiful family will no doubt be feeling the void of his physical presence the most. May your sadness of this experience become love & joy always. I like to think how fortunate for them to have such a love watching over them. Thank you for crossing my path David...NOW...on to your next mission..

August 22, 2015

Dave always brought something different & fresh to his performances. Whenever he got on stage with just an acoustic guitar & his vocals, you realized what a raw and exciting talent he possessed !!! Jim Harrison A.K.A. The Other Guy

August 20, 2015

dave can not wait to hug n play with you my friend tom barrett rip

Rhonda Ceder

August 18, 2015

What a wonderful person and a fantastic musician! He always made me smile. I will never forget him.

Susie Goldberg

August 16, 2015

My heart aches as much as I miss you. You are many things; a musician, a rock star, funny, humble, kind, caring, giving... The list is long and it is a fine list of your attributes, but the most important thing you are, is my friend. I will always treasure our friendship and I will hold the memories of you close to my heart. Rest In Peace.

August 16, 2015

David was not only a super talented musician, but he was a kind and beautiful person inside and out. He will be greatly missed by all music fans across the country. I will carry a piece of his heart within my heart and may his soul shine through for eternity. I know that he has found peace with the angels and will rock on! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his dear Suzana!
Gladys DiGirolamo

Tommy Glass

August 16, 2015

David.thanks for all the memories.you were one of a kind with out a doubt you were a shooting star . you will live on through your songs.till we meet again peace my friend.

jon fleet

August 15, 2015

Thanks for sharing your beautiful music and soul to all your fans. You will be missed ,but never forgotten.

Aurea Timotheo

August 15, 2015

David's family and Suzana have my deepest sympathies for your loss of your love one.

Angel winged flowers,

Leslie Minton

August 14, 2015

Susie Shea

August 14, 2015

Continue on your journey!
You are a shining light of love!
Today, I bow my head and say goodbye (and say hello) to a good old friend David Shelley. You have caught the hearts of everyone! You were kind, loving, humble, humorously crazy funny, entertaining, attractive and a super rock star! Everyone you cross paths with you touched their hearts and souls! You are forever with us! We all love you Super Rock Star David Shelley!
My sincere heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and loved ones. A special prayer to your daughter Daylin, please continue to carry on the loving beauty your father blessed you with!
The shining light of love! Love you! XOX

Louise Johnston

August 14, 2015

I loved your soul from the moment I met you...from one angel to another..

Leslie (Bonesy) Smith

August 14, 2015

David was a fantastic person & awesome guitarist. You will live on forever in my heart my friend.

August 14, 2015

My Heartfelt feelings and sympathy are there for you Suzana, his daughter Daylyn and family with all my Love. I am blessed to have known such a beautiful soul. Music will never be the same without our David Shelly. Love,Lily

Lily Bray

August 14, 2015

The Music world will never be the same with out you my precious David Shelly. You were there for me through the tough times with your soft smile, your smooth voice, your ever so Humble personality. Amazing talent that no one can compare. From the moment I first met you it was a breath of fresh air. You will always be loved and missed by so many people. I remember the first time I heard you sing Soul Shine. That became the song you would dedicate to me. I have been wearing the top you loved with the little flowers you complimented me on. Sweet Lily with the little pink and purple flowers. David always let your "Soul Shine" Love, Sweet Lily

alan Lane

August 14, 2015

words cannot describe how David was a great friend and inspiration to us all, his legend will live on

Susie Shea

August 14, 2015

Loved by all!
Today I bow my head and say goodbye (and say hello) to a good old friend David Shelley. You have caught the hearts of everyone! You were kind, loving, humorous, entertaining, attractive and a super rock star! Everyone you cross paths with you touched their hearts and souls! You are forever with us!
We all love you Super Rock Star David Shelley!
My sincere heartfelt condolences to your family, friends and loved ones. An a special prayer to your daughter Daylin, to continue her life with the love, beauty and compassion you have given us!
Love you! Rest in peace! XOX

Janice Cioffi

August 14, 2015

My deepest sympathy and condolences to Suzana and David's family.
I consider myself very blessed and an honor to have known such a kind man.
Thank you David for sharing your talents and smiles with all of us during
your lifetime. You will always have a special place in my heart!
You will always be a super hero to me! "Farewell Superman Dave"
Hugs/Love/Prayers.

Ocean Friedman

August 14, 2015

I will miss you David Shelley. You were such a kind, humble, friendly, amazing, talented, worldly,(and so many more adjectives)man. I loved you from the moment I saw you on that stage. Such a presence. You made me laugh and feel the blues over the years I came to your shows. Be at peace my friend. Prayers and healing light to the family. We will ALL miss your light.

With every twinkle, you will be remembered.

Sharon Rex

August 14, 2015

Hard to see it, but, I think God said, "Son, you have done everything you were supposed to do, so now you can come home early". You created, loved, entertained, delighted, and blessed so very many. Will never forget you dear one.

A night out with friends

Suz dp

August 13, 2015

Beautiful talent

Suz dp

August 13, 2015

We are the Ugys :)

August 13, 2015

Suzana DePaola

August 13, 2015

Thank you for loving me and showing me true love. I made you my life and you made me a better person. My heart will be yours forever.

August 13, 2015

David was a smoking player, & a good guy. He will be missed.

Rita Brugger

August 13, 2015

Blessed is he who goes through life and let missed. Always remember the moments of joy we felt when listening to his music!!!!

Kristin nagle

August 13, 2015

Another bright light extinguished too soon. Rip david

Jeferson Paris

August 13, 2015

God Bless You David. You're going to be missed.

Heather and Dean Schwarz

August 13, 2015

You will be missed but your music will play on. Love and prayers to Suz and the Shelley Family.

Linda Lugone

August 13, 2015

David Shelley you're Beautiful Spirit will Shine on us Forever. Linda Lugone and Bee Lim

Linda Lugone

August 13, 2015

My Mother and I are Heart Broken! We Love David Shelley! He was a Beautiful and Talented Man. We will Forever Remember his Laughter, Kindness, Smile, Amazing Voice! We send our Deepest Sympathy to His Mother, Sisters Coleen and Hope all the Shelley Family, Suzanna, his Beloved Friends, Band Members and All his Fans who Loved Him. God Bless you David. Rest in Peace We know that you're Soul will Shine Forever through Eternity. Love Linda Lugone and Bee Lim

August 13, 2015

My heart is broken. David, your music, kindness, humor, and love of life will live on forever through your timeless music. You brought such joy to everyone who met you. Condolences to the Shelley family and all who loved him. He will never be forgotten. RIP beautiful friend.

Ginger Crosbie

August 13, 2015

Thank you for being the kind soul you always were. So many heavy hearts. We will miss you forever. RIP, Superman. xo

Enid Decker

August 13, 2015

Words cannot describe how deeply saddened my heart is over David Shelly's passing. My heart is broken; Dave was a brilliant shining star with no comparison, he was one of the nicest people I've ever had the honor to meet; the Blues and music community has truly lost a beloved soul, talent and friend. I know his soul will shine on forever! My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones; David Shelly shall be greatly missed!

JimmyMac

August 13, 2015

Only the song he made is hushed, his soul,
Responsive to God's touch, in His control
Elsewhere shall tune the termless ecstasy
Of one who all his life kept here

Ellin Chassman

August 13, 2015

Saw him for the first time last year and was quite impressed with his talent. My condolences to his family.

Stephen Contos Contonikolas

August 13, 2015

The sea of sadness and pain you leave in your wake is testimony of the happiness and joy that you gave so many. Rest in Peace Davnash! Much Love and Healing to All who grieve.

Arlene Dunne

August 13, 2015

I want to send my deepest sympathy to Suzana and the rest of Davids family.. I first met David at the Funky.. He was so sweet and kind. A gentle soul. You will be missed by thousands.. Rest in Peace Godspeed . God got himself another beautiful angel.. Love Arlene

Andrea Pichler

August 13, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and all people who have David in their hearts. May his light always shine on ...

Andrea Pichler

August 13, 2015

My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and all people who have David in their hearts.
I got the chance to see and meet him in Santa Fe playing with the mud ponies.Thank you for brilliant music ... it touched my soul and heart. I will remember you as a very kind and warm-hearted soul. May your light always shine on.

Barry Calaway

August 12, 2015

I remember meeting Dave Shelly In the very early nineties met him through his girlfriend didn't know he was a musician at the time. she was a friend of my friend. they took me to see one of his shows. from then on I became a big fan. tried to go see him as much as possible. anytime I showed up at one of his venues. when he went on break he always made it a point to come over to my table and have a drink with me sit with me. and talk awhile he is truly a talent that will be missed by many. he had the warmest heart and soul that will always shine. Dave my brother I will always miss you

John Martinez

August 12, 2015

To a brother in spirit and soul, thank you David for your music, your humor, your light and friendship. I am blessed and honored to know you.

Your soul shines through still.

Dallas Tedlock

August 12, 2015

The blues one this earth will not sound the same with out you David, but your great style and music will always exist in our hearts.

GERONIMO DARRAS

August 12, 2015

The ALMIGHTY DAVID SHELLEY YOUR SPIRIT TOUCHED US ALL WE WILL ALWAYS HEAR YOUR LAUGHTER &MUSIC .ALL INDIAN NATIONS MORN FOR YOU .PRAYERS THIS PART OF
YOUR JOURNEY FINDS PEACE
WE GIVE THANKS FOR ALL YOU SHARED LOVE TO YOUR FAMILY .A HO BROTHER

Dallas Tedlock

August 12, 2015

Diane Young

August 12, 2015

Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance.

Kim

August 12, 2015

So glad you called South Florida your home as it gave all of us the opportunity to hear your amazing talent quite often. You're missed terribly. God Bless you & Rest in Peace

Mark Mishalanie

August 12, 2015

My deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of David. RIP

Julie Calandriello

August 12, 2015

Words are just so hard. How can you really express what you're feeling? David you are a free spirit now...your love, friendship and music has touched us all and brought us all together. There is an emptiness without you here but your beautiful memories live on.... And there are so many! Now you get to play with BB King!

Ed Mills

August 12, 2015

Gonna Miss You Buddy. Your Light Shone Bright! A Life Well Lived.

Mr. & Mrs. Quinn Herrera

August 12, 2015

Forever in our hearts! ❤ Your smile will be in the sunrise, your laughter in music, your kindness in the cool breeze of summer. We love you forever brother! Our support, love & prayers are with you & your loved ones forever.....❤❤

Cisco DeLuna

August 12, 2015

Thank you for sharing your talent and good nature.As you taught us to live,you also teach us in your passing.God bless.

Mike Bryan

August 12, 2015

Enjoyed your music David, R.I.P.!

Pete & Carolyn Sandoval

August 12, 2015

Incredible talent combined with incredible personality makes for an incredible Supernan. David was all of that and more.

Denny Pro Listener

August 12, 2015

I'm sitting in the front row!

Bonefish Johnny Stacey

August 12, 2015

Too talented, too nice, too soon.

It was an honor to know him and work with him. Condolences to his loved ones.

Matt Freund

August 12, 2015

Great Guy Amazing Musician and an Incredible loss to the music scene...Prayers for his family

Kay Chappell

August 12, 2015

RIP join that Rock n Roll heaven...we know they have a hell of a band!!!!!

August 12, 2015

Our condolences, The Blues Alliance of the Treasure Coast, Patti Gamble, President.

Ali Nassar

August 12, 2015

You were the man!! You will be missed my friend... Rest easy.

Maria MacIntyre

August 12, 2015

You will always be in our hearts! Fly with the Great Spirit my friend.

Jerry Blum

August 12, 2015

An outstanding musician and unforgettable caring individual who will always be honored and remembered by all of us. Play on Guitarist forever in our thoughts.

Benton Seal

August 12, 2015

You will be missed and never forgotten. Your soul shines inside everyone you came into contact with. Your smile, charm, sense of humor touched everyone. My deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones. RIP my friend.

Donna Russell

August 12, 2015

I will never forget this kind man. Words cannot express my broken heart. We will meet again, my friend.

August 12, 2015

I still can't believe this beautiful man is gone but he will always be in my heart and I will always love him. My heart goes out to his family. Your music and amazing memories will keep you alive forever my baby <3

Dr Groove

August 12, 2015

Rest my brother . Thank you to be there for us and touching us with your soul . I will never forget you. I promess to keep youre music alive everytime i'l hit the stage .

Bob & Ruth Medina

August 12, 2015

David, we are so saddened by your passing, but we are so privileged to have known you and be entertained by you for so many years. You were the best! Your music and spirit will live on in our hearts forever! R.I.P. friend!

Manny Godinez

August 12, 2015

Sorry to hear the news .... He had amazing personality and wit..... As well as talent............ His presence will be surly missed ......Rest now my friend

Robin Cox

August 11, 2015

I will miss David and his kind soul and heart warming sexy smile..Go Rest High on That Mountain..Your Legend lives in my heart..

August 11, 2015

R.I.P. David Your Legacy will Rock On... oxoxoxox

kathy kelly

August 11, 2015

R.I.P...David Shelley, your legacy will live on....

Kathy kelly

August 11, 2015

David shelley, R.I.P., your music, will forever, live in our hearts, and souls. .. you will never be forgotten... my deepest condolences, to your family. ..

Jan Trump

August 11, 2015

I am so glad we had the pleasure of meeting and hanging out with David Shelley at his shows - he was an amazing person inside and out and always had a smile on his face and no matter what always made a point to come and sit down with us and chat. Very talented singer, guitar player, bongo player and so much more. David - you WILL be missed by the TRUMPS and so many others. R.I.P. my friend. My sincere condolences to Suz DP and David's family - thinking of you all ! <3

George Berger

August 11, 2015

God bless you, David Shelley
RIP
John 3:16

August 11, 2015

Will someone please post what time to be @ the beach Aug. 23...Thanks

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