OLD LYME — It is with deep sadness that we report the death of David B. Woolley on Jan. 30, 2021.
After service in the Navy and a long, exemplary career in banking, he became a permanent resident of Old Lyme in 1989 when he moved into what had been his summer home at Old Lyme Shores.
To quote from his obituary, “During his entire adult life, David devoted himself to performing public service,” which included serving continuously as a member of the Old Lyme Board of Finance from 1995 through 2019. During that time, he was designated as a board of finance specialist to the Old Lyme Volunteer Fire Department.
His obituary states, “Mr. Woolley was a lifelong, dedicated member of the Democratic Party. He became a member of the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee in 1994, was elected chairman in 2002, then served in that capacity continuously until 2018. He remained an extremely active member of the committee until the present time.”
It continues, “During that time, he oversaw a substantial increase in the Democratic party registration in the Town of Old Lyme, and the successful election of important town offices from the Democratic Party during this period,” adding, “He ran numerous fundraisers for the Party, including the beloved “Lobster Fest”. ”
The obituary notes, “David’s primary interest in life involved dedication of time and activities with his family and friends, and his many hours spent performing public service. He greatly enjoyed his political activities as a highly respected and loved member and chairman of the local Democratic Political Party.” He also served as President of the Old Lyme Shores Beach Association for many years.
Asked her reaction to hearing of Mr. Woolley’s passing, former Old Lyme Selectwoman Bonnie Reemsnyder said, “It is sad news about Dave. He was a true gentleman, cared deeply about Old Lyme, the beach communities and his fellow Democrats.”
She continued, “And he was always an advocate for me and other democrats who ran for office. In 2003 and 2005, we ran together for Selectman and First Selectman and he was so loyal, hardworking and determined. He will be greatly missed by many in Old Lyme.”
She concluded, “My heart goes out to his sister, Pat Cronin, who cared for him in his last days.”
Old Lyme Selectwoman Mary Jo Nosal offered similar sentiments, saying, “Dave Woolley was a gentleman to the core. He was a mentor to me and to many on the Old Lyme Democratic Town Committee. Dave was kind, fair and engaging. He was a good listener, thoughtful, a strategic thinker, and he always put Old Lyme and our residents first.”
She ended with the words, “I will miss him very much. My condolences to his family and many friends.”
We too, here at LymeLine, extend our sincere sympathies to Dave’s family and friends. He was a good and genuine man, who served his community endlessly. He will be deeply missed by many.
I lived at Old Lyme Shores for nearly 40 years and got to know Dave Woolley quite well. He was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He was the go-to-guy at the beach. He will be missed.
I had only known Dave for a few years and his warm and welcoming friendship were of comfort to a newcomer on the Old Lyme Democratic town committee. He always had a smile and sage advice for any issue we were dealing with. I will miss that smile and warmth. Bless you Dave RIP.