David Alexander Chmielewski

Dr. David A. Chmielewski of New City, New York, 48, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 26, 2026. A beloved and devoted father, son, brother, and husband, he is survived by his wife, Rachel, his children who he adored beyond measure, Lauren and Xander, his father, Dr. Thomas D. Chmielewski (Joanne Britton), his brother, Michael S. Chmielewski, his Aunts Helen Dara and Mary Ann Chmielewski, his Uncle Ivan Halfond (Sandra), his cousins Mark Dara (Margaret and son Luke), G.J. Halfond (JoJo and children Everett, Rylie, Nathan, and Margot), and Raquel Halfond (David Falwell and children William, Selena Rose, and Michael), his Aunt Betsey Joakim and her family, and his godchildren Drew and Luisa Constable (Catherine). He was predeceased by his loving and devoted mother, Selena Halfond Chmielewski.

David was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and raised in Glastonbury. A charismatic and effervescent child, he excelled at all aspects of academics and loved performing in theatrical productions, particularly musicals. Some of his favorite roles included Marvin in Falsettos, Harry in Company, Freddy in My Fair Lady, Mike in Working, Charlemagne in Pippin, Emile DeBeque in South Pacific, and the King in The King and I. He met so many of his dearest friends during his school years—relationships he maintained throughout his life.

He graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts from Brandeis University with dual majors and honors in Theater Arts and English and American Literature. Thereafter, he received a Master of Arts in Secondary English Education from Columbia University Teachers College. After a brief stint as a middle school English teacher, he embarked upon a career change, returning to Queens College CUNY to complete a Bachelor of Science degree. He proceeded to follow in his father’s footsteps, attending medical school at the State University of New York at Buffalo. He graduated with a Doctor of Medicine and was awarded the David K. Miller Prize in Medicine “for demonstration of Dr. Miller’s approach to caring for the sick—competence, humility, and humanity.” He returned to New York City to complete his residency in internal medicine at NYU Medical Center/Bellevue Hospital Center and a fellowship in Hospice and Palliative Medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center.

For 14 years, David served as the Medical Director of United Hospice in Rockland County, where he resided. He helped countless patients and families navigate the most difficult moments of their lives with dignity and compassion. A firm believer in the ability of hospice and palliative care to increase his patients’ quality of life, he was guided first and foremost by the medical precept “do no harm.”

David also revisited his love of theater in Rockland County, with the lead role of George in Elmwood Playhouse’s 2014 production of Sunday in the Park with George. He served as a board member of Resonance Ensemble, a theatrical production company founded by his close friends in NYC.

David epitomized integrity and was a steadfast presence in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He particularly enjoyed spending time and making memories on Martha’s Vineyard with his family and friends.

“All my laurels you have riven away

And my roses; yet in spite of you,

There is one crown I bear away with me,

And tonight, [. . .]

My salute shall sweep away the stars from the blue threshold!

One thing without stain,

Unspotted from the world, in spite of doom

Mine own!—

And that is . . .

My white plume.”

– Edmond Rostand, Cyrano de Bergerac

A celebration of David’s remarkable life will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s honor can be made to:

United Hospice: https://unitedhospiceinc.org/donation/

Elmwood Playhouse: https://www.elmwoodplayhouse.com/donate/