David Carl Sattely

David Carl Sattely, age 85, passed away peacefully on November 1st at the Brockton VA Medical Center in Brockton, Massachusetts. David was a longtime resident of Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. 

David was born on July 3, 1938 to Edna and Benedict J. Sattely of West Milford, New Jersey. He was a graduate of Dumont high school class of 1956, Dumont, NJ. In 1960 he graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, where he received a bachelor of arts degree in English composition, and literature. He was a member of the Penn Players and  the Penn drama guild. 

After college he served in the United States Army as an Intelligence Analyst and was stationed in France for a period of time. Post military service, David went on to work in a variety of professions, most recently working in the custodial department at the West Roxbury VA where he was well liked and appreciated.

David is predeceased in death by his beloved wife Jeanne E. Sattely. He is survived by his brother Benedict J Sattely II and wife Elena of Toms River, New Jersey, And his nephew, Benedict J Sattely III of Mine Hill, New Jersey. He is also survived by his great nieces, Elizabeth Sattely and husband, Michael and Lauren Sattely and husband, Troy, and his great nephew, Joshua Sattely and wife Eula. He leaves his beloved five great great nieces and nephews, Alieze, Olivia, Isabel, Miles and Leo. 

David and Jeanne were lifelong sponges of knowledge, reading thousands of books on nature and spiritualism while amassing a considerable collection of interesting items including model cars, pocket knives, train sets, and beautiful nature prints.

David was a steadfast friend and advocate to animals, caring for many cats and dogs throughout his life. David was particularly close with his most recent canine companion Kimmie, a Shiba Inu, who, until her passing several years ago, was a regular fixture on her walks with David in the neighborhood. 

David was a model for supporting the causes he cared about, giving to various charities focused on helping both domestic pets and wildlife such as the local ASPCA and the World Wildlife Fund. As you hold David in your thoughts, please consider making a donation to any nonprofit that offers aid and comfort to animals. 

David will be missed with affection by his dear friends and long time neighbors from Oakview Terrace in Jamaica Plan who enjoyed his warm smile and witty sense of humor. Several neighbors were moved to share the following about David:

From Carol and Gary:

David was a fixture in his Oakview Terrace neighborhood for decades. Slowly walking up the hill with his groceries, he was always open to conversation with neighbors and engaging everyone’s dog. With a gleam in his eye, he’d ask a question and before you knew it, he would deliver an unexpected punchline to a joke. He always had a joke. David was the last of the oldest generation who lived on the street. We will miss him.   

From Will and Sarah:

I was always impressed by David’s love of animals and nature. He fed the birds for years until transitioning over the curb was too much. His wit and quick turn of phrase was indicative of a sharp mind. I was happy when he started accepting more of my offers to help with groceries. The street is longer without him.

From Kristen and Patrick:

Seeing David out and about doing his consistent routines of commuting to work, getting groceries, or heading down to the laundromat was comforting. He was always on foot and never needed a hand. During the pandemic we’d check in on him and he’d assure us he was okay, teasing that he’d already survived a plague. Always happy to say hello to the neighbors, wave to the children and offer treats to the pets. His friendliness, smile, and spirited wit were a fixture on the street. A fixture that will be noticeably missing for all who knew him.

We thank everyone who has been a wonderful neighbor, friend, relative, and caregiver to David. During his final months and weeks in particular, his primary care physical Dr. Ge from the West Roxbury VA and Mackenzie and the rest of the team at the VA’s Brocton Hospice care facility provided amazing, compassionate care making David’s final time here as comfortable and peaceful as possible. This will always be remembered.

In keeping with David’s wishes, his ashes and those of his late wife Jeanne will be scattered together in Laon, France to, in David’s words, “commemorate the oxen who carried the stones to the top of the hill on which the town was built.”