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David Engstrom Obituary

BRANFORD - It is with great sadness that his beloved wife, Valerie Rondina Engstrom, and their devoted children, Kara Engstrom and husband, Pat Cerino, and David Scott Engstrom, announce the passing away of Dr. David Engstrom, D.V.M.

"Doc" or "Sparkles" was a longtime resident of Branford Conn. He dedicated his life to his family and all creatures great and small, whether he was on the sea or administering veterinary care at his practice, Merryfield Animal Hospital in Hamden, Conn.

David was the son of Stanley and Evelyn Canelli Engstrom, of Wallingford Conn.; brother of Al Engstrom and his wife, Jayne Engstrom (Branford); and he was the proud grandfather of Anna and Anthony Cerino, of Guilford Conn., and Spencer, Scout, and Slade Engstrom, of Branford Conn. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Linda Rondina Parker, of Florida; his nephews, Marc Parker (Jennifer,) of Florida, and John and Brian Engstrom of Branford, Conn.; and great-nieces, Anya and Kyra Parker, of Florida.

"Doc" was an energetic and hardworking man, often beginning his day at the break of dawn by lobstering and fishing, prior to attending to the care of animals and his clients. He was a good friend to many, whether two or four legs, and a very inventive cook, endlessly preparing large volumes of food on the weekends for family, friends, and the neighborhood. Oftentimes the food was prepared from the crops of vegetables that he cultivated in his yard, or seafood that he had caught out on his blue vessel, all the while with a pipe in his mouth. He enjoyed traveling to Mexico and Las Vegas, and visiting the casino, with the love of his life, Valerie. His grandchildren were the twinkle of his eye, and his chuckles will remain in the memories of us all.

Dr. David Engstrom was a graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine of Cornell University, receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut. He attended Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford, Conn. During his 74 years of vibrant life he accomplished much, contributed to society, and to all the lives of all that knew and loved him.

Private services were held by his family, and he is at peace at sea under the rainbow bridge waiting for us all. Friends and family who wish to do so may make contributions to Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, an organization that David supported. Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home.

www.wallingfordfh.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Record-Journal on Aug. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Engstrom

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Princess Danni

December 13, 2017

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. May that wonderful treasure fill your heart with love and bring you a measure of peace. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

1 Thessalonians 4:13,14 ❤

Debbie Guy

August 15, 2017

Dr. Engstrom was the BEST VET I've ever had for my pets. He was not only an Awesome Vet but a really great person. I left Connecticut in 2003 and it took me awhile to find a Vet even close to as good as Dr. Engstrom was. He saved my little Toy Poodle when another Vet had told me there was no hope. I could never have been more thankful for for him or to him. When I reflect back on my life he has always been remembered and talked about. I know that Heaven is Rejoicing that he has arrived!!

Dr. Stephen W. Hoag

May 31, 2016

Having just recently learned of the passing of David Engstrom, I am blessed that I had the chance to meet him many years ago. Having researched his years at Lyman Hall High School in preparation for the 100th Anniversary of our school, he truly was one of those rare alumnus who lived out the full measure of his promise while at LHHS. He shall remain a model for those who seek the realization of their dreams.

Amy Small

May 3, 2016

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of
Doc E. I considered him my mentor. He taught me so much. He made veterinary care affordable for so many patients. I know that I gave him a lot of headaches, but he knew that I liked him. I also only won one bet that I made with him. He won all the rest.

You made a real difference. I am so glad
that we knew each other.

Gina & Kari Nordstrom

December 11, 2015

As eccentrically funny as he was kind, Dr. Engstrom will be missed by all of us. I will never forget the summer his staff rescued a baby deer in the woods and brought her to Merryfield, where she was nursed to health. How we laughed when our puppy was introduced to her by Dr. Engstrom! Like most of his stories, much of his light heart was punctuated by his humanitarian nature. Practical, professional and big hearted to animals and humans alike, we salute this man who really loved all of life. He will be missed. Deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.

Christine Casey

September 25, 2015

I AM TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I HAVE KNOWN DOC SINCE I WAS A CHILD. WE HAVE HAD MANY PETS CARED FOR BY MERRYFILED. HE WILL BE SINCEERLY MISSED. HE WAS A KIND AND FUNNY MAN. I ALWAYS LOVED OUR VISITS AND RUNNING INTO HIM AT BJ'S. SINCERLY, CHRISTINE & TOM CASEY & FAMILY

mark rosa

September 11, 2015

We knew him for many years from Merryfield. He was a very kind man. We are so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by so many. Sincerely Mark Rosa and Bel Forte.

Sandra kuehl

September 3, 2015

So sad to hear of doc's passing.what a great vet and get some real glasses I would always tell him!Will miss him and our cats will too!

Kathleen Mastroianni

September 3, 2015

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Engstrom family. I have know Doc for 43 years. It was because of Dr. Engstrom our family purchased our first Chow. He took great care of our pets and also took the time to tell us funny and wonderful stories about his life. I always enjoyed talking with him. He was a good man and also enjoyed cooking his macaroni and meatballs for the seniors. Only time heals the pain when loosing someone we love. We never get past the loss, we have to learn how to live on. I lost someone most dear to me and 20 years later I still think of this person everyday. But now I can think about her and laugh about the good times. The tears will dry and you will be left with great memories and a heart full of love. God Bless You and your family Mrs. Engstrom

Carol Crawford

September 1, 2015

So sorry to hear that such a great man and Vet will no longer be here. He took care of all my animals through the years and was friends with my Uncle Art Vignola. R.I.P. Dr. Engstrom you will be missed.

Brad Gesler

August 27, 2015

My condolences to the entire Engstrom family. I was shocked & saddened to hear of the passing of who we affectionately referred to as "Dr. Dave." I knew him all my life as he & my mother were classmates at Cornell. He has been taking care of our family's animals for many years & will be very sadly missed.

my angel lived alittle longer cause of yu and your help..!!!

beth bernard

August 25, 2015

wanted to say so so sorry to hear about my friend, and my cats will truely miss him,,,there will neaver be another doc dave,, he was your friend and treatedyou like family, i will miss him so much,i have known him all my LIFE,, such a great person,, it kills me not to see him any more... for me and my whole family ,, helped me always!!!.. kara and family, your dad was the very bast!!!

August 22, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family during this time of grief. Psalms 55 : 22 -

Matthew DelGuidice

August 21, 2015

Doc, RIP , it was always a fun trip to see you with the dogs ..May you always have the wind at your back ...You will be missed , Matt

Jean Kearns

August 21, 2015

I first met Dr. Engstrom when I had to put my first pet to sleep. He showed me and my cat tremendous kindness and compassion. Rest in peace Doc. Say hello to Pigeon for me.
My condolences to his family, friends and the staff of Merryfield Animal Hospital. His passing is a loss for all.

Lynn and Larry Husssey

August 20, 2015

Our sincere sympathy to the family of Dr. Engstrom over your tremendous loss. We always left Merryfield knowing we had the best care and never without a laugh or two. So, thanks Doc!! Rest in peace and say hi to Tash and Zoe for us. You will be truly missed.
Lynn and Larry Hussey

Jim and Beth DeLucia

August 20, 2015

Sorry to hear about Doc's passing. He took great care of our dogs for many years.Will miss our chats about fishing while at the office and on the water. His kindness and expertise will be surely missed.

August 18, 2015

DR ENGSTROM HAD TAKEN CARE OF MY PETS FOR THE
LAST 30 YEARS HE WAS A GREAT VET ns GREATER
PERSON WILL MISS HIM JOAN FISHER

August 18, 2015

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr. Engstrom. He was our families vet for many many years. Doc was a true humanitarian. We were truly Blessed to have known him as were our animals too. We will forever miss him, his sense of humor, kindness, and compassion. Doc, may you rest in peace. I know that all the pets that have passed on, are rejoicing in the arms of Dr. E. A one of a kind man, truly the best, who will be greatly missed. Our sincere Condolences. The Nesto Family

Lyn LaBar

August 18, 2015

On behalf of Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, please accept my condolences on the passing of Dr. Engstrom.

Fay Hanson

August 17, 2015

Our thoughts are with the Engstrom family at this difficult time. We have very fond memories of Dr. Engstrom, his loving care of all our pets and a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

The Norwood Russell Hanson Family (Lesley, Trevor, Fay, and Russell)

art cafasso

August 17, 2015

doc has been my vet for 16 years had to put my dog to sleep (cancer) this dog was the world to me i could not do it when the time came, i was a 50 year old man at the time, crying mind you , he put his hand on my shoulder leaned down and told me something i will never forget and never shared what he told me to anyone.but i then let him put my dog to sleep. never a better vet you will ever find , and a better example of how to live ones life .bye doc stay out fishing you deserve it. i so sorry for his family and sorry for the pets that will miss his kind of smarts
.

Jack & Barbara Bartocetti

August 17, 2015

Dr. E will be sorely missed. We have been bringing our pets there for years. He never gave us false hopes in times when there was no options left. He always had a great story or two to tell. Even at the busiest times he took the time to talk and have a few laughs. He was more than fair...always letting us try this or that before paying for it. The world lost a great man, great Vet, and great friend. He will be greatly missed...

walter haesche

August 17, 2015

to Valerie and family our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very difficult time.doc took care of our family pets for years and it was always great to see him and talk to him.our memories of him will never go away.walt & Marianne haesche

Rick Kamp

August 16, 2015

What a wonderful, wonderful person! Always kind, and a genius when it came to physiology, biology, and pharmacology. You know, he already has a new job - you know where! Don't call - he is booked for weeks! Over the years, only his family could know how many animals looked him in the eye with fading confidence. Rarely, does a human like David become expert in the transition from life to death. God bless Him - I will never forget him.

Joan & Dick Kennel

August 16, 2015

Dear Valeria and Family , Lois told us of David's sudden and unexpected death . Our prayers go out to you and family . Love and Hugs , Joan and Dick

Andrew

August 16, 2015

He was my boss and employer for nearly 6 years----one of the most brilliant men I have ever met in my life. He didnt need blood work x rays or fancy diagnostics to treat an animal......he was able to practice veterinary medicine by sheer instincts and experience. One of the most unforgettable people you would ever meet and worked like a dog! Put your feet up and rest peacefully Doc!
-Andrew-

Tim Begin

August 16, 2015

Doc E was a great man and great vet. I worked at Merryfield for several years in my younger years and have a lot of great memories of him. He was the only boss I have ever had that gave a Christmas bonus and had a nice holiday party for his employees. Doc E lived life as most of us wish we could. My deepest condolences to the family, friends, and employees at Merryfield. At least heaven has a great Vet to take care of all those pets now.

joseph renaldi

August 16, 2015

I am so sorry for your loss. DR.E was a wonderful person. he has ben taking care of my dogs (all 7 of them ) since the 70`s.I will miss our little gab sessions we had during my visits.I will miss seeing him when I come in. he will be missed.

Kimberly Boucher

August 16, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. Dr. Engstrom was wonderful with my animals and he was such a nice person. My heart is breaking. I will truly miss seeing him when I take my dog to Merryfield. He will be sorely missed. God bless and may he rest in peace.

Betsy Driebeek

August 16, 2015

My sincere condolences to Dr. E's Family. I was shocked to see the news in everyone's eyes as I walked in for a routine cat visit on the Tuesday after he passed. Dr. E has helped my family's pets since the sixties! I begged him to continue the practice and not retire, now i wish that is why I won't see him at Merryfield anymore. One Christmas Eve I brought in an 8 week old kitten with spina bifida that he and I had been discussing as it gained weight, but this night we both knew that he could not live a normal life. Doc put the kitten to sleep on Christmas Eve and said, "no charge."

Our conversations were half of the fun of the visits!! How fitting that you be laid to rest in the waters you spoke of often. You will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace.

Sue Pagni

August 16, 2015

Such a kind gentle vet he will be so missed

Grace Self Diamond

August 16, 2015

So sorry to hear that another of our LHHS class of '58 has passed away...My thoughts and prayers are with you Dave's wife and family and may it comfort you to know that others care and share your sorrow.

Lois Bukowiec

August 16, 2015

Dear Valerie& family. Our heartfelt thoughts & prayers are with you all during these sad days. Our love Lois & Carl Bukowiec

August 16, 2015

Once a Wallingford Boy,ALWAYS a Wallingford Boy. It is tough to lose one of our own.

Semper Fi,

Peter Bunting

Nancy Briggs

August 16, 2015

I met Dave in 1st grade at the old North Main St school in 1946 and remember him all through our school years. Always a leader, he was president of the class of 1958. It's so sad to see another of our classmates gone and so sad for your family. Cherish the memories. Nancy (Griffith) and Dave Briggs

August 16, 2015

Although I never actually met Doc in person, we chatted several times over the phone. Doc was a friend of my brother Ed Johnson and they shared good times fishing. Ed admired, looked up to, and deeply respected Doc. Thanks for the memories and I am truly sorry for your loss.

Pat Johnson
California

Janet Morin Verner

August 16, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with the Engstrom family at this very sad time. Have very fond memories of my four years with David and the Class of '58.We served on several committees together.He will live in the hearts of those who loved him forever.

Audrey Neal

August 16, 2015

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

August 16, 2015

TgFrom one of the Beaumont Boys I am sorry to learn of the passing of David. Cole Proctor

rosemary Gannon Lynch

August 16, 2015

My deepest sympathy. Memories of David in high school flood my mind. Such a wonderful kid. sincerely, Rosemary Gannon Lynch

Kay [Kalp] Almquist

August 16, 2015

To Valerie and family; Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. LHHS Class of 1958

Ed and Lois Goglia

August 16, 2015

Lois and I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Valerie and to all of the Engstrom family for there loss. We will always fondly remember those many Friday nights with Kentucky Fried chicken and Dave' s special salad.

August 16, 2015

SORRY TO HEAR THIS NEWS DAVE WAS A GREAT FRIEND TO ME FOR MANY YEARS OF MY LIFE OFFERING ADVICE AND HELP WITH ALL OUR PETS AS WELL AS FISHING,LOBSTERING,HEATING WITH WOOD STOVES,HELP PUTTING A CERRAMIC FLOOR IN MY NEW HOUSE LIKE WE PUT DOWN IN HIS 1978 AND SO MANY MORE GREAT MEMORIES THANKS FOR ALL!!! TOM KEHLENBACH & FAMILY

August 16, 2015

So sad to read of Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Gary & Charlene LaPlante Scranton

Bobbie-Lynne (Biega) DeHart

August 16, 2015

Valerie,
So sorry to hear of your loss. I worked briefly at Merryfield back in 1972-3 after graduating vet tech school but I remember you more from the days you used to babysit me when you were a teenager, living only 2 houses away on Lincoln Drive. (Do you remember introducing me to Noxzema or putting spoolies in my hair??) I am so sad for your loss of your husband; my prayers are with you.

August 16, 2015

A great vet yet more importantly, a fine and engaging gentleman.

Mark Hayes & Family

Bob Asman

August 15, 2015

Remembering so many wonderful times with Dave as the class of 1958 worked it's way through Wallingford's schools. His was a caring spirit!

Sarah and Molly Gerstacker

August 15, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear about Doc's passing. He was a wonderful doctor to my dog Molly. He actually repaired Molly's leg a few years ago when she tore her ACL. We have been going to Merryfield Animal Hospital for years. We are going to miss him. He had such a great personality and he was wonderful with my dog Molly.

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