David Tately

David Harold Tately passed away Sunday morning, February 1, 2026, from complications related to esophageal cancer in his home in West Dennis, MA, at the age of 71.

Dave was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 24, 1954, to Harold E. Tately and Dorothy A. Brooks. In early 1956, the Tately family moved to Pittsfield, MA, where Dave and his three brothers enjoyed the hills and lakes of the Berkshires and he became an avid skier at local Bousquet Mountain Ski Area. A second move took the family to Scotia, NY, in 1965. There, Dave made many lifelong friends, and played on Scotia-Glenville High School's championship-winning soccer team before graduating in 1972.

After receiving a BA in Political Science from SUNY Brockport in 1976, graduating with honors. Dave began working for the State Energy Department, and then NY Congressman Ned Pattison in Washington, DC, but soon went back to school, earning a law degree from Boston University in 1982.

Dave then moved permanently to Cape Cod, where he had enjoyed family vacations most every year of his life. He first joined the Orleans law practice of his cousin John Hallisey, working on cases regarding the National Seashore, and later practiced with the firm of Zisson & Veara in Dennis. Over time, however, he found law less appealing, so in 1994 he began working at the town assessors' offices in Chatham and Mashpee, ultimately becoming Deputy Assessor in Brewster, where he stayed until he was able to take early retirement in 2017.

A nature lover his entire life, Dave involved himself in Cape environmental causes and served as Chairman of the Orenda Wildlife Land Trust. Retirement gave him more time for regular hikes around the Cape with friends. He was also an avid music fan, traveling New England to see favorite band NRBQ, and enjoying countless Cape Cod artists like the Incredible Casuals in local venues.

He also appreciated quiet times at home, devouring mystery novels and nonfiction, making him well-read on many subjects. A sports lover, Dave attended the Red Sox opening day for many years, followed the Tottenham Spurs soccer team, was a life-long fan of the NY Giants, and was Commissioner for his fantasy football team, the Northeast Beer Drinkers.

Through it all, Dave maintained close friendships with people he met at all stages of his life, at times vacationing with them around the country or on overseas backpack trips. It's hard to picture anyone who wasn't taken in by his easy-going upbeat nature and the enthusiasm he showed when sharing something he found fun or interesting. He truly was loved by all who knew him and will long be missed by family and friends.

Dave leaves his brothers Chuck of Los Angeles, CA, and Pete (with wife Denise) of Harwich, MA, plus numerous cousins, four nieces (Paige, Kaiti, Alex, Maddie), a nephew (JP) and sister-in-law (Molly). He was recently predeceased by his youngest brother, Steve, in Scottsdale, AZ.

Friends and family can pay respects at Chapman Funerals & Cremations, 678 Main St Ext, Harwich, on Thursday, February 12, with a visiting hour from 10:00-11:00am and service from 11:00-11:45am, and are invited to share remembrances of Dave from 12:30 to 3:00pm at the Land Ho in Orleans.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dave's honor may be made to The Massachusetts General Hospital Gastric and Esophageal Cancer Research Fund (Esophageal Cancer Treatment Program), or, The Cape Cod Hospital Oncology Department (www.givetoCCHC.org)