dave just heard of your passing think about you often. Glad to hear you never changed your ways as you aged. What a guy!

My deepest sympathies to Carol and the Bodwell and Kutz families.  David had a great sense of humor and a caring spirit.  He was always there for my daughter whenever she needed advice and was especially kind to my mother, they were great sports buddies!  Happy hour will never be the same!

Thank you all for being so wonderfully supportive and loving to David.  He certainly was a strong individual in many ways and will be missed by many...such a loss in many ways.  May his spirit live on!

They say you live your funeral every day!  Dave was one of those people.  His humor, and love for life did not go unnoticed.  He will be missed, but his memory will always bring a smile to many faces and hearts.

Mrs. Bodwell, Don & Mary Ann,

    I was so sorry to hear about David.  Sometimes it seems just like yesterday that we were at Web Hill, Talcott and Conard.  I have so may memories of the good times we were all a part of.  I hope that in time the good memories will take over the pain you all must be feeling now. I send my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely, 
Susan Biggers Hussey

Dear Carol and Family,

I am saddened to read this...I am so sorry I didn't get to see and visit David before his passing; you all have been on my mind for some time since I noticed he had not returned to therapy.  I had the pleasure of treating Dave and challenge him to continue to be independent in his activities.  He was always accepting whatever I had planned for him with his subtle humor sometimes indicating otherwise...I enjoyed David and learned a lot from him through this difficult time.  Please give my condolences to "Alice"  (aka, Donald) who for the longest time I never knew his proper name.  I hope you have many fond memories for a most wonderful man.
Sincerely,
Chris Ouderkirk, OTR/L

I  was a student at Talcott and Conard with  the twins and remember how funny and nice David and Donald were. Although it was a very long time ago, those days are precious memories. My heart and thoughts go out to the family of David.

Dear Carol and Family,
     Although we did not know David for long, we were touched by his kind gentle manner and love of life.  We regret so much that his wonderful plans for retirement were cut short, but hope that Carol can get past this heart break.                      Sylvia and Ira @ Connemara

Dear Carol Ann and Dave's family ~

I am soooo very sorry to hear the news about our dear friend.  He was remarkable.  We used to talk poker, politics and retirement plans with his ‘lady friend'.  As I read these messages, I can't help but smile as I remember the privilege I had to work with him at Palm Beach State.  And the ‘ringing of the bell'..  Rest in peace My Friend. ~~ k

My sympathies go out to Davids  family,  I too was a classmate at Talcott  and Dave was my first "boyfriend " for about a week in 7th grade.   So sad to end a life too soon  but well lived and you will be sorely missed it seems.  Dave was always just a really nice guy.  God bless all.   Linda Malmstrom Fortenberry  DMD

Dear Friends & Family,
I thank you all for your words that have brought so much comfort.  I also want to thank the Bodwell family and my sons for their loving support.  When I first met Dave, I knew he was a very special person.  It truly was one of those moments in your life that you never forget, and as they say the rest is history.  I have been honored to be in David's life.  

As so many of you have said, Dave had a great sense of humor and could turn a difficult situation into a piece of cake, and that's the way Dave faced cancer.   He took care of business and never complained about his treatments while he gallantly fought, surviving much longer than most people with this type of killer cancer.

I cannot say enough about the quality of care administered through the Foshay Cancer Center staff, Dr. Bertrand and nurses there like Kay; Dr. Dass of So. Florida Radiation Oncology; University of Miami's, Dr. Heros; Dave's neurologist, Dr. Stafford; his surgeon, Dr. Abdolvahabi; the Pavilion at Jupiter Medial Center staff, and Hospice of Palm Beach County----warriors and angels all.

I saw Dave live his life advocating for students in need as he opened a door to education and a better life for them.  All of us who knew and loved him will always have his footprints on our hearts.  Till we meet again my dear Dave, you will always be in my heart.

Love,
Carol Ann

Carol -- remember the good times you and Dave shared, how you were always there for one another, and how very happy you made him.  Call upon those wonderful memories when you need them.
Helaine Fazio (Boynton Beach, FL)

Dear Marian, Donald, Maryanne, Nancy, Carol and your families, May our Good Lord bless you with His Peace and keep David in His Eternal memory! With our Love and prayers, Bill Bland and family

Marian, Don and the entire Bodwell family It has been at least thirty plus years since I last spoke with David but I will always remember him as a good friend who always stood up for what he believed in and always did the right thing.  And yes I will always remember his great sense of humor. 

“At the end your wealth is not measured by the property or possessions you have accumulated but by the number of friends you have” 

David was a very wealthy man who will be missed by many.

Rest easy my friend..

I am so sorry to learn of David's passing.  He was one of my best students in seventh grade math at Talcott Junior High.  Donald, I would love to speak with you.  You can reach me at 860-563-0391 or write me at 96 Forest Drive, Wethersfield CT 06109 or stop by if you're ever in the Northeast.  My sincere condolences to you all,  Marion Fischer.

Carol,  I am so sorry for your sadness.  I am sending thoughts, prayers, and spititual hugs.  Love, MaryAnne

I am greatly saddened at the passing of David.  The Bodwell family was my second family growing up. Howard and Marian were a second set of parents.  Donald and David my brothers and Nancy my kid sister.  If I wasn't home I was at the Bodwells shooting hoops or coming up with something to compete in.  David and I shared our passion for the Red Sox and of course having to put up with Donald and his passion for the Yankees.  Listening to Uconn basketball games and 76ers games on the radio.   David was my best man when I got married.  We shared many a laugh and a beer.  I will never forget you bud.  Thank you Bodwells for sharing your home and love when I needed it most.  May you find peace in knowing David is at peace now.

Sincere condolences to Carol and your family.  He will be dearly missed.
From Ronnie Oard (a former finanial aid administrator) oards@aol.com

I've often thought of the Bodwell twins, over the years, and just drove by your old house, on Ledgewood Rd., within the past week.  We (the McGuires) lived on the upper half, and were sorry to leave our old neighborhood, so many years ago.  I remember playing with David & Donald, at Webster Hill School, and will never forget "the good old days".  I (we) were so sorry to hear of David's passing, and will keep him in our prayers.  God Bless - Tom McGuire (and the McGuires)

My thoughts and prayers to david and family,remembering web hill. chris mulready

I felt a great sense of loss and sadness when my mother called and asked if I had read the morning paper.  I remembered, with many fond memories, all the fun times we had back at Conard and how David could always make me smile.  It has been many years since I have seen him but there has always been a fond place in my heart for David.  He was a special person and will be truly missed by all those who were lucky enough to have know him.  My deepest sympathies ...

Remembering you David with fond thoughts of sharing laughter and wonderful memories throughout school. My condolences to your family.


I was blessed in knowing Dave on a personal level, watching golf, having heated political discussions and in depth heart to hearts about life long goals. Having known him, gave me insight into the patient, the quite strength he had, the jokes and the looks when I knew he needed a hug. He was a man of integrity and strength. I will miss  him, dearly. God bless you, Dave and family. Hugs & love to you, Carol!!

I am so sorry to learn of David's passing.  He was one of my best students in seventh grade math at Talcott Junior High.  I would very much like to hear from you, Donald, either by mail or phone or in person if you are in the Northeast.  My sincere condolences to you all,  Marion Fischer, 96 Forest Drive, Wethersfield, CT 06109, 860-563-0391.

My life's journey has been blessed in crossing paths with the Bodwell family. Mrs. Bodwell (Marian) introduced my sister and I to the fun of music as our music teacher @ Rawson school in the late 1950's.  When our family moved to West Harford in 1961, David was the first in school to take this introverted kid under his tutelage by introducing me to Donald, their friends and the “after school fun”. David quickly made me feel accepted into my new environment teaching me to help others to adjust into new environments.  My best childhood memories revolve around the excitement, camaraderie, and competition of the many neighborhood baseball, football, soccer and baseball games we played.   As the years progressed our interests drifted us apart, however we would run into each in Jr High and High School stopping to say hello and check in.  From the many comments David has influenced a large multitude of people get an education as well as mentoring people deliver education opportunities.   I am honored to have known and have shared my early life experience with David and the Bodwell family.  God Bless you all.

My sincerest condolences to the Bodwell family. I was a year behind David and Don, but knew them all through my youth. May you find peace in the good works of David's life.

i had the pleasure of meeting Dave and his twin Donald in kindergarten at Webster hill school with my twin sister Donna and it saddened me to hear of his passing this morning. Dave was always playing up at web hill and i will carry on the  fond memories of all those years playing every sport you could think of. condolences to the whole family, may you all find peace in this time of sadness, rip my old friend, Dave Swanson

I sat next to David (and Donald) all through high school  and every morning we would do the jumble from the newspaper together. May all your memories comfort you during the difficult time.

I went to junior high and high school with David and his brother.  My sincere and deepest sympathies go to the family and in hopes that the loving memories of David will help you through this difficult time.

May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. (1 Cor. 1:3,4)

I worked with, and for Dave at Florida Southern College. He was a very wise and witty man. I had great respect for the way he worked with students. He knew our students by name; and often times by their circumstance. He genuinely cared for them; but also held them accountable for their progress. We had some big laughs and wish I had the theme picture to share that we submitted to FSC's yearbook one year! I'm glad to hear that Dave found love and companionship and send my condolences to Carol and the whole family. Rest In Peace, Dave.

Sounds like David had a great sense of humor as does his mother...our sympathy goes out to all in the family...love, Dorothy & Bob McCarthy

Dave had a true passion for assisting students in their pursuit of education.  It was an honor to work with him.  My thoughts prayers for comfort and peace are with Carol and the family.

"Uncle" was a very special person in my life.  He was always generous and kind to me, and also very helpful during the college process!  I have nothing but great memories, and will miss his smile.  Taylor Bodwell

While this is a sad event for our family, I was extremely proud of David every day of his life!  His career was devoted to helping young people achieve; he was a good man in so many ways. While it took a while for him to find Carol, we are truly blessed to have her in our family.

Loving Mother Marian

Dear Carol and David's Family,
He most likely didn't want us to wish him happiness over health.  After meeting David my impression of him is that he wanted all of us to wish him courage and strength and a sense of humor.  He had all of that and more.  My thoughts are with all of you and I will never forget his obvious love of my dear friend, Carol.
Nancy Roberts (Chelmsford, MA)

I'm going to miss joking on the phone with Dave during his and Carol's "Happy Hour". I so often wished I could be there with them soaking up the laughter. Dave had such a good sense of humor. I love my sweet sister dearly and will always love Dave for all the nice things he did for Carol especially during her illness. God love him. Elaine Watters (Burlington, MA)

I worked with David for almost 5 years and will always remember him  as jovial and full of life. All of our phone conversations ended with, “say hi to everyone Junie, Kamau, Jeanne”. He always had all the staff in mind. 
Dear Carol, I am praying that the Lord will comfort you with His peace, surround you in His love and encourage you with His presence.

Dear Carol and family, Dave was my supervisor at PBSC from 2006-2011. Even though Dave was very serious he had an amazing sense of humor that was one of a kind! Upon learning of Dave's passing my tears started to turn to laughter when I began to think of the many moments when he made me laugh or when he would re-tell his one and only Cinco de Mayo joke every year. I know he loved his cheese, crackers and beer! Dave had a passion for making sure students had access to information about financial aid in higher education. No matter what Dave would always go out of his way to make sure he assisted a student that was having difficulty. Dave empowered me and always said “do what you think is right”. God bless you during this time and he will always be remembered.

David Bodwell was the finest advocate on behalf of students I've ever known.  He made it possible for thousands, especially those who come from low economic backgrounds to achieve their dreams.  He was fair, witty and one of the kindest human beings to be around.  I remember Dave as a mentor – someone who was always there for me, whom I could always count on professionally.  He will always be remembered for his remarkable career and for the many lives he's touched along the way, including my own.  He has always put the students first.  Those of us who were fortunate to work with Dave at PBSC knew him as a wonderful human being who has dedicated his whole career toward the everyday struggle that low to moderate income families experience in this country in order to get a fair shot at college access, opportunity and affordability.

Dearest Carol and Family,  A very special Child of God has gone to his heavenly home and looks down now to protect and guide you.  Each of us, touched by David during his life, were blessed by knowing a loving and caring spirit.  He has left this earth a better place because of his presence.  Continue to walk in faith knowing he is but a thought away.

Dear Carol and family, I worked with Dave at Florida Southern College from the time he came on board until he left.  We had some great times.  Dave was a super person and I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all of you.  Rest in Peace Dave and I know you'll be having your cold Miller's and white cheddar cheese and crackers up there.

Sherrie and Joe Nosal

Although I never really met you personally, David, I met you through Carol's eyes, and I know you were a very kind and loving person.  May the peace that now abounds you, also surround Carol and all of your loved ones during these difficult times.

A great man and a stealer co worker.  He will not be forgotten for his great service to others in need and his passion for life.  May God bless his family and all of his freiends.

My sympathy to Carol and family.  I worked with Dave at Florida Southern College.  He served the college and the students very well.  He was a good colleague with a ready smile and a positive spirit.

Tom Reuschling
President Emeritus
FSC

They don't make them any nicer than Carol Bond.  Carol, peace, strength and love to you in this rough time.  - Steve Arterburn

The loveable old curmudgeon, as he referred to himself.  He was a very wise man, with a kind and generous spirit.  I miss him and hope he is at peace, rooting for the Red Sox.

Uncle David, I will miss you greatly and I will always remember the great times we had together. There is no more suffering and you are in a better place now. Keep watch over us because we all need it sometimes. Carol, we love you and be strong. We are always here for you as a family. Love always, your nephew.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Carol, and David's family....what a wonderful person he was....

Dear Carol, David, and your families and friends,
Although we will all miss David, I cannot even imagine the immense loss you are feeling now.  When you remember all the good fun times you had, your tears will turn to smiles again.  Stay strong and upbeat the way David loved you best.  Sincerely, Donna @ Connemara

Dear Carol and family, Dave had such a great influence on me as well as countless others who knew him! .  Patience wasn't his strong suit but what a wonderful "teacher" he was!  I knew nothing of financial aid when he hired me in the financial aid dept. at Palm Beach State College. Everyone in the department respected Dave and loved working with him!  His personality will shine on in our memories forever!  
Carol Cook-Hoffmann (Lehigh Acres, FL)

I worked with and for Dave Bodwell at Florida Southern College. He was a man to take seriously (except during the Kentucky Derby) and a man to respect always.  Dave empowered his staff to do the job at hand, and went the extra mile to keep a student in school.  Dave encouraged the students to stay on track, and required his associated to do the same.  Dave, your race is finished.  I know that the triple crown is yours.

Dear Carol and family, he will be dearly missed.  He was a fighter and proved himself until the end.  May the memories keep you going.  Memories of the times spent together will ease your pain and always be with you.  With all our love, Espe, Geni & Armando Noble.

There was no more honest, direct and yet loving and kind person than Dave Bodwell.  It was an honor to work with him for these past years at PBSC.  He was serious and funny...and that's the way he faced his illness.  He was very brave and also realistic.  Ted Kennedy's brain tumor, he would say.  Gosh, I already missed having him at the college, and now I will miss him eternally.

He probably would not like this poem; in fact I do not remember if he much liked poetry at all. This I will ironically disregard and leave here Tennyson's poem Crossing the Bar.

The narrator uses an extended metaphor to compare death to crossing the "sandbar" between the tide of life with its outgoing flood and the ocean that lies beyond death, the "boundless deep" to which we return: 

This is for David, who will be remembered fondly as someone who exuded a wonderful happiness for life and a kind, caring concern for others; perhaps even, he would tell us all not to take this so seriously ...
 

Sunset and evening star,
      And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
      When I put out to sea,

   But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
      Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
      Turns again home.

   Twilight and evening bell,
      And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
      When I embark;

   For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
      The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
      When I have crost the bar.

OBITUARY

David Bodwell

17 April, 1952 – 20 April, 2012

Aycock-Riverside Funeral and Cremation Center

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services