David A. Rempell, 76

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — David Allen Rempell, 76, died surrounded by his family on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at 7:32 p.m. from double-hit lymphoma.

David was the beloved son of Joe and Sylvia Rempell. After Sylvia's death and Joe'’s marriage to Grace Rempell, 10-year-old David was adopted by Grace, who became his mother in every sense of the word.

Born in New York City in 1946, David grew up in Long Beach, New York. A 1967 graduate of Cornell University, David later studied education at New York University and earned a master's in education and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

David's dedication to working with children was obvious from the beginning of his career. After teaching 4th grade in Brooklyn, David moved to Massachusetts and taught at the Holyoke Street School, an alternative high school, and then at Greenfield Elementary School. Deciding that he could have a larger impact on a greater number of children, David moved into school administration. His first principalship was at Colrain Central School. After five years in Colrain, David became principal of the Williamstown Elementary School in 1988.

David's commitment to Williamstown's children and families was legendary. He always described his 16 years at the Williamstown Elementary School as a "love affair." This relationship culminated with a new elementary school building in 2002. In his "retirement," David became the executive director of the Williamstown Youth Center. Faced with a deteriorating building, David led a campaign that raised over $4 million to build a new Youth Center. Importantly, the Youth Center is now located next to the Elementary School, which allows children to easily move between the two buildings for before- and after-school activities. The Youth Center has become an invaluable asset to the children and families of Williamstown and the surrounding areas.

David was intensely connected to his community and often expressed the feeling that Williamstown was the perfect place for him and his family. He served on the boards of multiple town organizations, including nine years on the Select Board. David was actively involved with progressive causes throughout his life. From volunteering with the campaigns of Adlai Stevenson in the 1950s to his recent membership on the Board of Directors of Massachusetts Death with Dignity, an organization whose objective is to give people some influence regarding end-of-life decisions, David dedicated his life to causes he believed in.

Nothing was more important to David than spending time with his family. His love and devotion to his family defined who he was. A stalwart fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Celtics, and New England Patriots, David also was the biggest supporter of the Philadelphia Silkworms, the Philadelphia Neutrons, and the MoCo Grays, his grandchildren's teams. In his free time, David loved reading, running, and playing basketball. Although he exhibited extraordinary skills, he blamed his short stature on never being drafted into the NBA.

He traveled all over the world to visit his sons, including the Dominican Republic, France, Honduras, Italy, Lebanon, Israel/Palestine, and Tanzania. He later told his friends these international trips were because "If you give your children wings, they will fly. And they did." For many, many years, the Rempell family vacationed on Maine's beaches.

David leaves behind Donna, his wife of almost 55 years; sons, Joshua and Benjamin; daughters-in-law, Rachel and Daniela; and grandchildren, Joe, Zachary, James, and Mackenzie; mother, Grace Rempell; siblings, Steve (Marcia) Rempell, Susan (David) Roth, Lisa (Howie) Klein; brother-in-law David Deitch; sister-in-law Deborah (Bob) Manzi; and many beloved niblings (nieces/nephews) and great-niblings.

The Rempell family is immensely thankful for the close friends who have provided support throughout David's life, especially for their love and strength during this most recent ordeal. Many thanks to the local caregivers and the staff of Northern Berkshire Hospice for their thoughtful care and support during David’s last days. Memorial donations can be sent to the Rempell Fund at the Williamstown Youth Center so that all children, including those with financial needs, can participate in their programming. The link to donate can be found here. Alternatively, you can donate your energy to special causes or an individual who might like a smile.

A private family service will be held. Family and friends are invited to Donna and David’s home on Tuesday, March 28, from 2-5 p.m. as the family sits shiva. There will be a larger memorial/celebration for David at a later date this spring to be announced. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.