David W. Anderson

David William Anderson died on October 4, 2025 at the CT Hospice Center in Branford, CT after a brief illness. He was 89 years old. David was born in Meriden, CT to Geoffrey William and Virginia (Sprague) Anderson on September 2, 1936. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Janet (Kegel) Anderson; their daughter Jennifer Lynn (Anderson) Crock (Karl); and son David William Anderson Jr. (Amy) as well as their grandchildren Nathan and Philip Crock and Leah and Hailey Anderson and an extended family of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother, Robert C. Anderson, and recently by his sister, Helen R, Ketelhut. David lived his early years in Meriden. The family moved back to Madison where his mother’s family had resided for many years and where Dave graduated from Hand High School in 1954. David worked for United Technologies as a machinist and for local businesses as a mechanic before starting his own business in 1976. In 1985 he joined the Lee Co, in Westbrook as a machinist and retired from there in 2001.

The United States Army requested his service at the age of almost 26 and he was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska from 1960-1962 earning medals for marksmanship, Good Conduct, and the prestigious Soldier of the Month citation for Fort Richardson. David was offered a commission to West Point, which he turned down, and returned to CT after completing his service time.

David also served his community of Westbrook. He became a Westbrook Town Constable-a job he really did enjoy-especially on Halloween; an EMT; one of the original founding members of the Westbrook Ambulance Association and Board Member over 10 years; and a 26-year member of the Westbrook Fire Department. It was during this time that he became chief engineer and with his life-long friend Loren Baker restored the Model T fire engine-twice!-and Engine 453. They refurbished Westbrook’s first ambulance as well as obtaining and maintaining the WFD fire apparatus. He served on numerous truck committees and was the Building Chairperson for the North End Fire Station #2. With the assistance of assistant chair Chris Wininger oversaw the successful completion of this project.

David loved his family, most of all, and even though he was a quiet man, could talk, without ceasing, of all of their accomplishments. He loved travelling to Bermuda, Disney, and Lake Winnipesaukee. The lake, however, was never far from his thoughts. He was loved by every dog he met and was named the “Dog Whisperer’ by his daughter Jennifer. During his last days, he had difficulty participating in family conversations but would smile while listening to the familiar back and forth of family banter. He is loved and missed. David will be remembered as a true gentleman, who never thought or spoke ill of any person and treated everyone he met with respect.

Swan Funeral Home of Clinton, CT is in charge of arrangements.

Calling hours: Friday, October 17th from 6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

Memorial Service with Military Honors: Saturday, October 18th starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Clinton Congregational Church

Internment at West Cemetery (RT 1), Madison, CT: Monday, October 20th at 10:00 a.m.