David McVeagh

1959 - 2021

Waterford - David McVeagh, 61, son of Charles and Angeline (Manzoni) McVeagh, passed away Friday, Jan. 8, at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital due to complications of COVID-19. He was predeceased by both his parents.

Born in Middletown, David resided at the Seaside Regional Center in Waterford from infancy through his early twenties when he moved in with Beverly (Schlichting) Gordon who had the first Community Training Home (CTH) through the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS). David became part of Beverly's family (including daughter, Cheryl Camacho and sons, Joseph Schlichting and John Gordon), thriving in her loving home and loved living with his housemates Dennis and Gary as well as with several cats and dogs. After Beverly's passing, David lived with Brenda Schafer-Libera and Joseph Schlichting for several years.

David later lived with the Duchemin family; Craig, Denine and son, Ian. The Duchemin's were also CTH providers who cared for many clients and David was fortunate to spend over thirteen years with the Duchemins, their family and friends.

While living with the Duchemins, David loved living with housemates, Willy and Jimmy. They enjoyed family vacations to Stowe, Vt. and shoreline camping trips. David also enjoyed trips to Six Flags, family picnics/celebrations and holidays parties throughout the year with Brenda that he looked forward to.

David was very compassionate, loved children (especially babies), and was always helpful and polite. He had a way of making people smile and laugh with a personality as big as his heart. He had a large collection of eclectic hats, loved to sing, dance and draw in his numerous books.

David was involved in day programs where he worked at Seabird Enterprises and also for Arc of New London County. David also participated in Special Olympics for several years on the Mystic/Groton team, made lots of friends and won many medals. He also helped at the Center Groton Fire Department at their Steak Nights.

Brenda Schafer-Libera and the Duchemin family would like to extend their heartfelt thank you to the L + M staff in CCU, ICU, 5.4, 4.2 and Beacon Hospice for their care and compassion, keeping David comfortable, happy, sharing family photos and names of loved ones sending him love. Thank you to the DDS team for their years of service and commitment to David. Lastly, thank you to all who enriched David's life, especially Brenda Schafer-Libera, his medical guardian, family, friends and Jay Brear and Cheryl McHale for weekly mentoring with David.

There will be a gravesite service at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6, at Jordan Cemetery in Waterford. There are no calling hours. Please visit www.cummings-gagnefh.com to leave condolences or share a memory. Donations in David's memory may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.

Brenda Schafer-Libera and the Duchemin family will hold a Celebration of Life later in the Spring and details will be shared once confirmed.