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David Waddington Obituary
David Waddington was born on Fishers Island, N.Y., April 24, 1937, the son of Robert and Olga (Mobouk) Waddington. After graduating from Fishers Island High School, David joined the U.S. Air Force for four years.
In 1960, he married Patricia (O'Sullivan) Waddington in New London. They settled in this area and David became a well-known businessman as the proprietor of several cafes and restaurants including the former Monday's Café, Graffiti Lounge, and Dad's Restaurant.
In addition to being a prominent businessman, David Waddington had many other notable talents all of which he used to make the world a better place. He was a natural born salesman, an accomplished carpenter, a lobsterman, a magician, a hypnotist, and a professional auctioneer. By employing this multitude of talents in tandem with his incredible work ethic, David ensured that very few worthy causes escaped his touch.
These causes included fundraisers for the Cerebral Palsy Association, the American Parkinson's Disease Association, St. Bernard School, and various candidates for public office whom David liked and believed would do a good job. Another group that David worked hard to support was Alcoholics Anonymous. He was extremely dedicated to this group for 31 years and felt that his work with AA was his most significant contribution to our community. David's efforts on behalf of those burdened with alcoholism and substance abuse are legendary.
Through his words and actions, David lived up to the passage from scripture that reads "to whom much is given, much is expected". Any person who came to David for any kind of help, whether spiritual, financial, or otherwise, was given the assistance they needed. And not only did David give assistance to those in need, he taught those around him, including his children and grandchildren, to do the same.
In addition to his wife, Patricia, David is survived by his children, Dawn Londregan and her husband, Tim, of Old Lyme, Dale Horowitz and her husband, Bruce, of Burbank, Calif., Dede Michaud and her husband, Ken, of Colchester, Dana Auclair and her husband, Jim, of Quaker Hill, Mimi Perez of Broadbrook, and David Waddington and his wife, Leigh, of Waterford. Two brothers, Robert Waddington of Costa Rica and Peter Waddington of Pleasantville, S.C., also survive him. In addition, David has eight grandchildren, Lauren, T.J., Allison, and Ryan Londregan, Amanda and Andrew Michaud, and James and Austin Auclair.
David was predeceased by his sister, Joan Waddington.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday in St. Agnes Church, 22 Haigh Ave., Niantic. A reception will be held immediately after the Mass at Flanders Fish Market, 22 Chesterfield Road, East Lyme. Interment will be private at the family's request.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Bernard High School Alumni Association for Student Scholarships, PO Box 302, Uncasville CT 06382.
Please visit www.neilanfuneralhome.com for directions or to send an online condolence message to Mr. Waddington's family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Waddington
Merin Moltz
November 13, 2007
Dear Waddington Family, I will always remember Mr. Waddington as such a generous & caring man. When I was little I lived behind his big house in Black Point Condos. I spent hundreds of hours swinging from his tree swing, picking veggies from his garden, sledding down his hill in the winter & playing on his pacman machine (it was the coolest). He was so kind & open to the children in the neighborhood, especially me. You all were. I'll never forget playing dress up with his daughters, te cool Mickey Mouse Phone and hide & go seek in that house. Mr. Waddington, your whole family was so kind, so embracing. I may not be six years old anymore but I will always remember him & your family. Your in my families thoughts & prayers.
(The little blond from the condos...1988)
Paul Castagna
November 12, 2007
Dave was an amazing guy I knew him for 25 + years.His loyalty to his friends
was legendary. He is a guy whom i will forever be grateful to. The world lost a true hero. Pat I truly hope your ok
Kim (Carroll) Temple
November 9, 2007
To Pat and the Waddington family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I worked at Dad's from 1980 - 1985 and will always cherish Dave's life's lessons and the wonderful memories I have of him.
Alyson Webb (Armour)
November 7, 2007
I am so saddened to hear of David's passing. I worked for many years at Dad's Restaurant and I'll never forget what wonderful, funny and happy person he was - so full of life and love. My deepest sympathies and prayers are with the Waddington's and David's loved ones during this difficult time.
Edwin Spomer
November 7, 2007
May Our Lords Blessings be upon Dave's entire family as he has changed addresses for the last time. He and I shared many joyful times with our family many years ago. His joyfull spirit will always be remembered and as neither he nor I understood at the time Our Lord and Savior was looking out for us and our famly. We pray for all of the Waddington family to seek the JOY of THE LORD as Dave did.
God's Blessings to each of you.
Ed Spomer
Melinda (Spomer) Brelsford
November 6, 2007
Auntie Pat & The Girls,
I have always remembered Uncle Dave(2nd Cousin) - Your Father & Husband with such great fondness and admiration and He was so much fun..I remember Uncle Dave and my father chasing us around the house with live lobsters. Stopping into Dad's resturant when we would come east from Michigan for a visit to family. I was blessed to see him again and you, Auntie Pat over the summer. It had been so long.. And Uncle Dave had a huge impact on my boy, Matthew. As he did everyone he had contact with. My prayers and consolences are with you. God Bless,
David and Sue Foulkes
November 6, 2007
To his son David (class of '73 - Go Vikings!) and all the family, our highest thoughts go out to you and hope that the best of all memories will be your constant companion in the days ahead.
Dianna (Ouellette) Dansereau
November 5, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Charlie Ivory
November 5, 2007
The Waddington family,
It has been many years since I have seen or spoke to any of you including Dave.Working At Monday's in the early to late 80's seems like only yesterday but in reality has been far too long a time.Funny how you always mean to stop by or pick up the phone to say hello, but things get hectic and there is always tomorrow, next thing you know 20 plus years go by.
Never in my life have I met a more caring person,totaly devoted to his family first and formost, the people that worked for him over the years and just people in general.The stories this man could tell and the things he has done over the years are amazing. David always was good at no matter what he did,simply making breakfast for the Sunday day crew at Monday's totaly on the spur of the moment or shutting the bar down for a couple of months to redo the entire place both inside and out. I learned a lot from Dave over the years, how to deal with people, how to deal with difficult people, the inner workings of a business and the list goes on and on.The thing that stands out the most though is his love for his daughters and his wife Pat. David always would give me the impression that he and Pat were newlyweds even though I knew that was not the case, all the years I worked for him although I'd be lying if I told you I never saw David get mad, I can honestly say I never heard him raise his voice, but always managed to get accross whatever it was he was trying to say. Dave will/can never be replaced,I take this time to say good bye my friend,thanks for everything and to thank his family for letting me be a part of your family as well as many others over the years. He will be missed by many for a long, long time to come.
Charlie Ivory
( Monday's Cafe )
Linda Sexton
November 5, 2007
To the Waddington family,Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
The Sexton family
Gus and Fran Gaskin
November 5, 2007
Dear Pat and Family,
Know that Dave is up there making God laugh with his magic. He needed him more.
We continue to keep you and your family in our prayers
Jeanne Rogers
November 5, 2007
I knew Dawn from High School though I graduated a few years before her.
Dawn, I wish to pass on my deepest sympathy to you and your family in the loss of your father. I know how hard it can be to lose a parent as I lost mine just a few years ago. Though the days are tough right now they will get a little easier but Know that he will always live on through you.
God Bless
Jeanne(Richard)Rogers
Kathy McLoughlin
November 5, 2007
To the Waddinton family,
My prayers are with you during your
time of loss. I know David is looking down on his family and friends and that he will always manage to be there for you in your time of need.
Hypnotist Dan LaRosa
November 5, 2007
I owe my career as a stage hypnotist to Dave Waddington. As my mentor and friend he guided me through the early rough days when I performed at his GRAFFITI LOUNGE in Waterford. His message was simple but life changing: Be Here Now! The past is gone, the future uncertain.. so he would tell me to stay in the present moment and if I had a rough performance, he would encourage me to hang in there. I will miss my friend, but I will always try to be the person he saw in me.
Russell Mackey
November 4, 2007
Dear Pat, Dawn, Dale, Dede, Dana, and all Waddington Family Members,
I was very saddened to hear about your husband, Dad, and my friend Dave's passing away. Mr. Waddington to Mr. W to ultimately "Dave" was one of the most special men I have ever known. I am grateful to have met and known him as a boy growing into a young man because the things I learned and experienced from Dave at that tender young age truly had a signiciant impact on my life. Ideals such as a good work ethic (as you know Dave gave me my first job at Dad's at 15), family values...how to be a loving Dad and husband, caring and giving back to others, civic duty, the guts to take risks/intiative and quite simply...how to enjoy life were the many things I learned and witnessed first hand from Dave. What fond, lifelong memories and instruction he has given me! I am in his debt.
I am sorry I live so darn far away and can't be with you all in your time of grief, but know that Dave is in my prayers and you are all on my mind and in my prayers as well.
Miss you all and love you , Russell
Tara Raschello ( DiLoreto )
November 4, 2007
To the Waddington Family: I remember Mr. Waddington when I was young being his next door neighbor on Blackpoint Rd. He was a fun and happy man. He always smiled and had tons of stories to tell us. His magic tricks were always something I looked forward to. My heart and prayers go out to you and your family. " Mr Waddington" may you always look down on your family and spread your wings far........
Joan & Peter Bendfeldt
November 4, 2007
Dear Waddington Family, Our deepest sympathy & our prayers go out to you on the loss of David. We still have many fond memories of Monday nites at Mondays Cafe where our friends and us would gather for a great fun filled evening. Dave was awsome and it was the best time we ever had. He will be missed alot. God Bless all of you.
Maggie Mussman Reigelsperger
November 4, 2007
Dawn and family:
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad from a sleepover you had(so many years ago now). We had a fire drill and climbed down a ladder. Your dad was great fun. Our prayers are with all of you.
Bob Kosicki
November 4, 2007
We have lost a very special person. David came to me in my time of need and changed my life forever as he did for so many. We who he has helped can only try to do as David did.
Dick Chapman
November 4, 2007
Dick and I were so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a wonderful friend to everyone and Dick has great memories of his times with Dave.He will be missed very much. We hope the family's sadness will ease soon. Love to all the Waddington's, and of course Pat.
Nancy Davis
November 4, 2007
It is nice to think that Mrs. N was there to greet him... We earthbounds will miss this generous, charismatic man...
Barbara Mccaslin
November 4, 2007
I knew Dave many years ago, and have thought about him often, he was part of my formative years and taught me about life and trying to be a grown up. I am sorry for your loss and my prayers are with your family.
Judy Edwards
November 4, 2007
To Pat and Family, My thought are with you and your family. His memory will live on with all who knew of him. Judy edwards
suzie barone
November 4, 2007
THE FATHER I NEVER HAD:
Dave took me with him to open Monday's Cafe (as a bartender), from there taught me to cook for large groups and promoted me to daytime manager in a short time.
While stricken with rheumatoid arthritis in my mid 20's and a single parent, my boss came by every week to give me my cashed paycheck, brought groceries and always stayed to play a game of chess (which, of course, he always won!).
When I got better, he bought me a car so I could get to Monday's and my second job. He never gave up on me, except to give me away when I got married. When my house burned down, he was the first one I called (not knowing he and Pat were in St. Crouix) and from there had his daughters looking for a place for me to live.
So many people were blessed to have Dave in their lives..the number will never be known. Thank you Dave for EVERYTHING, you will be missed terribly.
Love Always, Suzie Cronin Barone
Dot Potter-Harmon
November 4, 2007
Remembering Dave as a very special person, he was part of our childhood when heowned the Drugstore on the corner of Bank and Blimman Street in New London.
Also when he ran a fish snack stand in Niantic. My deepest sympathaies to the family
John DePaul
November 4, 2007
Dave and his lovely family have meant the world to me. I am happy to know and love the Waddingtons.
FRED FROSCELLO
November 4, 2007
My heart goes out to the Waddington family. I knew David for years when I lived in New London. He also knew my brother David Froscello, who passed away on May 18, 2007. He sponsored our softball team Monday,s Cafe. But we knew him on a personnel basis. He was a great person and will be dearly missed. He is up there now with my brother David looking down on us watching over us. God bless you all.
Albert & Lois Ouellette
November 4, 2007
Patricia and family, we're sorry to hear of David's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. God bless all of you with love and strength.
Brian Birch
November 4, 2007
Pat, Dana & Family. There are no words that can express the loss that you are feeling right now, but knowing how he touched all that he knew and that his memory lives with each and every one of you. He will always be right there in your heart. With deepest heart felt sympathy, Brian Birch
Rit Manthous
November 4, 2007
Dave was a giving individual of his time and resources. A pleasant man to play golf with, an intriguing magician, and super joke teller. Our community has lost a good man too early. May his memory be eternal.
Terry (Feliciano)Crawford
November 4, 2007
Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You wouldn't remember me, however Dave is a big part of my childhood memories living on Bank St. I remember my dad taking me to his soda shop on the corner of Bank and Howard St. We lived across the street so this was something we did on a regular basis! This was in the early 60's.
Irene Spomer
November 4, 2007
I have many memories of my cousin David. He was a wonderful guy full of life and fun. Memories of meeting him and Pat in Niagara Falls years ago and special times of my vists from Michigan at their home when our children were young. He was a very special man who gave alot to many people. Everyone will miss him. Love and prayers to all the family at this time of sorrow. Love Cousin Irene
Rich & Lori Erpenbeck
November 4, 2007
Davis was my uncle. He will be missed greatly by the numerious people who's life he touched.He was always there for anyone wheather it was day or night. Thank you david for being part of my life, love you.
Daniel Carter
November 4, 2007
For Tim & Dawn and Ken & Dede,
Lisa and I would like to express our heartfelt condolences on your loss. He was a great and beloved man. Always remember the good times.
Dan Carter
Michael & Laurie Jones
November 4, 2007
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead. Dave was a long time friend who will truely be missed by us all.
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