David M. Kayser

David Michael Kayser, 61, of West Hartford, CT passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer on Sunday, June 18, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. David was born in Gallipolis, Ohio to Bernadine and Robert Allen Kayser Sr. David graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Music, Yale with a Master of Music, and Manhattan School of Music with a Doctorate of Musical Arts, all in trombone performance. He enlisted in the army from 1978-1981 to be a trombonist for the United States Military Academy Band, stationed at West Point. He was a founding member of the Brass Ring, a brass quintet whose tours spanned 35 states. From there, he began an extensive freelance career which included performing numerous broadway shows at the Goodspeed Opera House in East Haddam, CT. David fostered his love of educating by teaching private lessons at the Hartt School Community Division. Soon after, he became certified through the ARC program to become a full-time elementary school music teacher in the city of New Britain. In 2009 he assumed the role of Director of Bands at New Britain High School. Tireless and dedicated, he worked long hours despite his declining health to maintain the highest musical standards, and to uphold the strong sense of pride and community associated with the marching band. In addition to his many musical accomplishments, David will be remembered for his unwavering sense of humor and expert joke telling. He was often the entertainment in any social situation, able to tell jokes for hours on end. His jokes were thorough with many expert impersonations, characters, and impeccable timing. He had a zest for life that included good food, New York sports teams, and being a dedicated husband and father. He is predeceased by his father Robert of Point Pleasant, WV. He is survived by Martha, his beloved wife of 38 years; his daughter Michelle and her husband Mohamed of Wilmington, DE; his son Randall of New York City, NY; his mother Bernadine of Point Pleasant, WV; his brother Dallas and wife Lee Anne of Point Pleasant, WV; his brother Allen of Tucson, AZ; his many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The Kayser family would like the extend their immense gratitude to Dr. Peter Schauer, David's oncologist, as well as the staff of the Helen & Harry Gray Cancer Center for the excellent care David received during his illness. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in David's honor to the Dave Kayser NBHS Band Scholarship Fund, c/o New Britain High School, 110 Mill Street, New Britain, CT 06051. Calling hours are Thursday, June 22, 5-7pm at the Kenney-Luddy Funeral Home, 205 South Main St, New Britain, CT. David's funeral is at Asylum Hill Congregational Church, 814 Asylum Ave, Hartford, CT at 11:00am Friday, June 23.