David R Jelley

David Robert Jelley, 86, of Hudson, NH, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025. He was born on January 3, 1939, in Boston, MA, to Vesta Darby of Tewksbury, MA. In 1960, he married his beloved wife, Ruth Cowgill, with whom he shared 65 years of love and devotion.

David was educated in Tewksbury, Lowell and Dracut schools and graduated from Dracut High School class of 1956. He attended Providence Bible Institute and Lowell State Teachers College.

David proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1958 to 1962 and later rejoined as a reservist with the Seabees, retiring in 1998 as a First Class Petty Officer. His 24 years of service reflected a lifelong commitment to duty and integrity. David was also a life member of The Retired Enlisted Association, Naval Enlisted Reserve and Fleet Reserve Associations.

Following his military career, David pursued his passion working as a librarian for MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Raytheon, and GTE Laboratories before serving as Library Manager at Osram Sylvania until his retirement in 2010. He also dedicated many years to the Hudson community, serving as a trustee of the Hills Memorial and Rodgers Memorial Libraries, and as a long time member of the First Baptist Church of Hudson. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Ruth Jelley; his daughter and son-in-law, Paul and Pamela Dawkins of Hudson; his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Sandra Jelley of Monroe, NC; his favorite granddaughter, Brittny, and her husband, Timothy Cerato of Londonderry; and his cherished great-granddaughters, Avery and Logan Cerato of Londonderry. He also leaves his sister, Virginia Andersen of Mineola, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his sister, Marilyn Cymbura; William and Mildred Jelley of Pelham; and his mother, Vesta Darby of Tewksbury.

A memorial service will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hudson or the Alzheimer’s Association. The Cremation Society of New Hampshire has been entrusted with arrangements. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.