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David Lillis Obituary
He was born June 9, 1959, in Enfield, the son of Carol (Rawson) Lillis of Enfield and the late Guy M. Lillis. He attended schools in Enfield, graduated from Enrico Fermi High School and later received his bachelor of arts from Rogers Williams College in Rhode Island. Mr. Lillis graduated from the Connecticut State Police Academy and was first employed for the Capital Police in Hartford from 1983 to 1988. He was currently employed for the Department of Motor Vehicles in the commercial vehicle safety division. In 1996, he was the recipient of the Governors Service Award. In addition, he served on the Old Lyme Police Department. He was united in marriage to the former Donna Manfredi on May 16, 1991, Mrs. Lillis survives him. David was a devoted and loving husband and father. He enjoyed the ocean, kayaking with his children, and supporting them in their academic and personal goals.
Besides his loving wife, Donna, he is survived by two children, Christine and Joseph Lillis; a brother, Mark Lillis, and his wife, Lisa, of South Windsor; several nieces and nephews.
His family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London.
Family and friends are asked to gather for a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in The Cathedral of Saint Patrick, 213 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360. Interment is private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Lillis Children College Fund, c/o Coreplus Federal Credit Union, 40 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT 06385.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Lillis
Rachel Blakley
March 25, 2010
Hi Donna,
I am so very sorry for your loss- Todd just told me today. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Chief Larry Callahan
March 11, 2010
To the Lillis family, I was so sorry to just hear of Dave's passing. I worked with Dave at the State Capitol and we shared a lot of laugh's. One story I still tell, is that Dave knew I was taking my family on our annual camping vacation, and we were talking about music. Dave had just purchased one of those big old boom boxes, and offered it to me to take on vacation. His kindness and generosity have long stayed in my mind. bless you all
David Sugrue
February 27, 2010
Donna,
You and your children are in my families thoughts and prayers. If there is ever anything at all that you need, please don't hesitate to call me.
Dave Sugrue
carla cerniglia
February 25, 2010
Dear Lillis family, Sorry to hear about David, I was heartbroken to hear the news. My dad Robert worked with David in CVSD and spoke very highly of him. I also worked in Wethersfield and always enjoyed talking with him when I passed him in the hallways. He will be missed dearly by his family here at DMV.
Courtney Holmwood
February 23, 2010
Donna and Family,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I'm not far away, so please let me know if you need anything, especially a shoulder...
Love and thoughts,
Courtney
Paola Isasi
February 23, 2010
Donna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Just remember him in all the happy moments that you guys share together all this time, and keep in mind, he may not be here physically but David will always be around you guys making sure you and the kids are ok.
Take care,
Paola Isasi.
Don and Joyce Chase
February 20, 2010
The Lillis family were our neighbors for many years, here on Cornell Drive in Enfield, CT. We knew both Mark and David as they were growing up and getting into all the normal mischief and shared many great times with our growing neighborhood parties. We were shocked to read of David's passing, and offer all of you our very deepest of sympathy. He was certainly a son, husband, father and brother to be mighty proud of. Again, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Darlene McNamara
February 19, 2010
Donna,
Words are so inadequate. Find your strength in the memories you have created together. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
Dave and Jackie (Russo) Boudinot and Family
February 19, 2010
"Lillis" ~
With a heavy heart I send a dear friend my deepest sorrow for your loss. What an amazing person David was and we are blessed to have been able to call him a friend. He is only gone from sight and is just as magnificent in Heaven, where I know without hesitation he will continue to watch over you, Christine, Joe and all the people he loved.
Peace and comfort to you all
"Russo"
Robert Pounch
February 18, 2010
Dear Donna and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences in this difficult time.We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
Steve Cox
February 18, 2010
The loss of Dave was a stunning piece of news. My deepest condolences to his entire family. I knew Dave through his Union and worked with him a few times when the Union was presenting testimony at the Legislature. He was the consumate professional and his very dry humor was always present. He will be missed by all.
Marie Lepore Ogrodnik
February 17, 2010
I am also a graduate of the '77 class from Fermi. Although I did not know David really well, I am deeply saddened and shocked that a life so precious and admirable as David's was taken so swiftly. Please stay safe and try to think of all the good times with David and the good things he has done, to help you through this time.
Todd Bardes
February 17, 2010
Donna, Christine and Joe,
Laurie, Ray, Steven and I send our deepest sympathies.
Mary Maznicki (Storer-Sanborn)
February 17, 2010
Dear Donna and Family:
We, of the Maznicki family, knew Dave for many years. Growing up in Enfield, we "adopted" him into our clan of 8 kids and he never needed an invitation to come along to whatever adventures we we up to. Ever kind and lovable, a tragic shock. He has touched so many lives, and to you and your children, our most heartfelt sympathies.
Peace in Christ,
Fred Muhl
February 17, 2010
Donna and Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences in this very difficult time for your family. We are very sorry for your loss.
Sincere Regards,
Fred, Ginger and Lydia Muhl
Michelle Horton
February 17, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time
Dawn DeCristofaro
February 17, 2010
Donna and family -
Although we did not know David, we wanted to extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. Your mother is our neighbor at Lakeside. You are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.
- Dawn and Donald DeCristofaro
The Kosinski Family
February 16, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine &Joe
David-your dad- will be so missed.... Holloween night in Ridgewood Park won't be as much fun without the lights on the car the campfire.He brought a warm sense of safety to the neighborhood..We will all really miss him and be reminded of him often,then smile...
warmly,Kelley,Dave Ryan,Morganne,Collin &Dillon
Ginny McDonagh
February 16, 2010
To the Lillis Family,
My thoughts are with you during this time of sadness. Dave was a housemate of mine during our senior year of college. He carried a passion and spirit with him that I see he apprarantly never did lose. It was a true privilege to have known him. My continued thoughts and prayers are with each one of you.
Jared Meekhoff
February 16, 2010
Dave was such a great guy. He always had a smile and something light hearted to say. He was the first person to welcome us to the neighborhood and was very friendly and helpful. We'll miss him very much, Jared and Emma.
Lesli Murdoch
February 16, 2010
Donna,
I offer my deepest sympathies to you and your family. Please know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Please accept my heart felt sympathy.
Cohen Family
February 16, 2010
We are so shocked and deeply saddened by your loss Donna, Christine and Joseph. We hold you close in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue and Madison Cohen
February 16, 2010
To the Lillis Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. He will surely be missed! God be with you all!
Bud & Jane Roberts, Westbrook, CT
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine, And Joe... I just received the stunning news of your loss of Dave from Jennifer vacationing in Fla. I didn't know Dave very well, but I was very impressed with how he carried himself and how attentive and affectionate he was with his family. My sincerest thoughts and prayers are with you.
Daniel Cote
Kellie Harrison
February 16, 2010
Donna,Christine and Joe,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Like so many other people I was in shock when I heard the news. I am here if you need anything. Please know there are so many who have you in their thoughts.
Kellie Harrison
February 16, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you, Christine, and Joe. Please know you are in so many peoples prayers and thoughts during this sad sad time
Erik Grosof
February 16, 2010
To the Lillis Family,
My thoughts are with you all. David and I both were on the same floor at Roger Williams College. Only recently did we reconnect on FB. I have many fond memories of David and I hope your memories will help you through this difficult time.
janet mailloux
February 16, 2010
I am so saddened by David's passing..I knew him in grade school up to high school, but recently reconnected on fb. My prayers are with you Donna, Christine and Joe...even though I don't know you. He was a wonderful and faithful friend!! I will miss him too!
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine & Joe,
We were so shocked to hear of David's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bruce, Linda and Rilee Drake
Gail and Will Clark
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine and Joe,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. Wow it does not seem real. When thinking of Dave first thing that comes to mind is the love he had for his family. He will now be your shining star looking down on you all. He will alsays be with you.
February 16, 2010
Dear Donna, Christine and Joe,
We were saddened to hear of David's passing. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
The Mirabito family
Richard Valentukonis
February 16, 2010
It is with great sadness to hear of the passing of Dave. I have worked with him for many years before my retirement.He was always there in time of need. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayes got out to your family.
Bonnie Allen
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine, and Joe...I am sincerely saddened by the passing of David. He truly was a great man who loved his family with all his being. I have so many fond memories of "skinny kid" from Roger Williams College. He was the first friend I met there and his wit and charm will never be forgotten. May God give you the strength to find the peace you now need. God truly has a special angel now who I know will watch over Christine and Joe forever...
Stacey Hodge
February 16, 2010
Donna,
We were so sorry to hear about David. I was shocked. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to let us know. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Love,
Stacey, DayDay and Dominique Hodge
Nancy
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine and Joe,
I was so surprised and sad to read about Dave's passing. He was always so great with Olivia - she still remembers him letting her sit in his police car. If there is anything we can do, please don't hesitate to ask. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at his really difficult time. Please remember the good times.
Warm Regards, Nancy,Jim and Olivia Kramer
Angela Jacobsen
February 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Renee Spence
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine and Joe,
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need anything at all.
Chris Synott
February 16, 2010
Donna,
It is difficult to find the right words that could adequately express to you our sympathy for what is such an incredibly difficult loss. We are so, so sorry. Our prayers go out to you, Christine, and Joe in the days ahead. Always, always we are here for you, anytime. xxxooo
Love,
Christine & James Synott
Tony V
February 16, 2010
Dave was the consummate professional, taking extreme pride in his duties and dedicated to the safety and well-being of his brothers in blue. He was meticulous and perfect in every detail. He was blessed with a quick wit and a droll humor that eased the stresses of the day for all he came in contact with. But most of all, he was a dedicated father and husband; never missing an opportunity to express the pride he had for the family he dearly loved. He touched all of our hearts and will remain there forever. No doubt, the highways of Heaven will be safer.
Pat Droney
February 16, 2010
Thoughts and prayers out to Dave's family. We went to school together many years ago at Fermi and reaquainted for a time on Facebook a year or two back. As a retired police officer, I also pray for Dave's co-workers at the DMV. Rest in peace, Dave. Way too young....
February 16, 2010
Donna
We were shocked and filled with saddness when we heard the news about David. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Christine and Joe at this moment. Please let us know if we can be of any help in any way.
Love
Dave and Judi Drake
February 16, 2010
Donna, Christine and Joe,
Hold tight to memories for comfort,
Lean on your friends for strength,
And always remember how much you are cared about. ~ Author Unknown
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! If there is ANYTHING you need, don't hesitate!
Love,
Larry, Holly, Alyssa and Adam Bevilacqua
Trudo McDonald-Papazahariou
February 16, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Diane Magnificent Pelletier
February 16, 2010
I was deeply saddened by David's passing. I am from the Fermi Class of '77. We recently re-connected on Facebook and I enjoyed his quick whit and wonderful sense of humor. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Tammy Tamaren (Lovely)
February 16, 2010
Mark
Sorry on the loss of your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
February 16, 2010
Donna,
My heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Deb Tardif
Laurie Bruce
February 15, 2010
David you where truely an amazing man ? You came in to our lives for a reason. Myself & all of the "Caring for Cody" fans will miss you dearly ? "A FAN FOR LIFE" your famous saying, it will live on...I will miss your daily insperational words and virtual hugs.My thoughts and prayers are with your family now and forever. ? R.I.P. my friend until we meet again ? love Laurie
Karen Rowan
February 15, 2010
At this most difficult time, may you feel the embrace of love from all of us that knew David. He touched our hearts with his beautiful spirit and joyful nature. We had a chance to enjoy his company and great sense of humor at a high school gathering last November. For that I am forever grateful. Our prayers are with you.
Kimberly Elwell
February 15, 2010
Very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I met Dave through Caring for Cody. And was honored to meet him at the benefit for Cody in Maine last month. What a honor to meet Dave and correspond on Facebook over the last 3 month's. My thoughts and prayers to his wife and children.
Sgt. Green
February 15, 2010
David was a fine Officer and Inspector who was committed to making our highways safer. His extensive knowledge and dedication to the job is immeasurable. He was a brother officer and a friend; he will be surely be missed. RIP my brother as watch over us all. My prayers are with your family is this difficult time. God Bless.
Liz Nolan
February 15, 2010
Donna, Christine, and Joe:
I worked with Dave at the DMV for 8 years and just reconnected with him through Facebook. Like everyone, I am shocked at the news and my prayers and thoughts are with all of his friends, family, and co-workers. He was always so upbeat and positive; and he loved his family beyond words. In our last chat, he was just gushing with pride for his kids and their accomplishments. Know that Dave was extraordinary and will be very missed. Let the love and support of everyone bring you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
May Buonanducci
February 15, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of David's passing. Please accept our sincere condolences. I am from the class of 1977 graduating along with David. We became friends on facebook. May Buonanducci Enfield, CT
February 15, 2010
Donna,
We are very sorry to hear of David's passing. The two of your were a perfect match for each other. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the kids.
Love, Cheryl and Cassy
Ron LaRussa Jr.
February 15, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Rose Secondo
February 15, 2010
David was an exceptional person.
A good friend to many in high school.
Many of us re-connected with David on Facebook and will cherish the time we had with him online.
His quick thinking and good sense of humor will live on in our memories. He will be greatly missed.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Our prayers are with the Lillis family.
With heart felt sympathy,
Rose Secondo and (fiancé) Robert Mattingly
Connie
February 15, 2010
I am so sorry to hear of Dave. We went to school together and just connected on Facebook. My prayers are with your family.
February 15, 2010
Donna, I am deeply saddened for your loss, my sincere sympathy and condolenses to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God give you the strength, comfort and peace you need.
Kim Sibley
Carol Jones/Love
February 15, 2010
Oh David, where to begin. To keep this short, going back 30+ years, we had a great time being friends in school, you were such a clown, reconnecting with you through facebook 30 years later, and you were still a clown, but you were also my good friend & virtual shoulder to cry on. Thank you for being such a great friend, a wonderful person and to your family, a loyal & loving husband & father. I'm overcome with grief, I can only imagine what your family is going through. My thoughts and prayers are with them at this such difficult time. Love You "Stretch" and miss you so much ? Carol Jones Love, Fermi Class '77
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