VENICE, Fla. — David James Woodfield, 61 of Venice and formerly of Naugatuck, Conn., passed away on Monday, April 19, 2021, after fighting a valiant battle with lung cancer.
He leaves behind a beloved daughter, Kerry Lynn Woodfield Konts of Manchester N.H.; two grandchildren, Emma Konts and Devin Konts; a brother, Kenneth Woodfield Jr. of Middlebury, Conn.; two sisters, Julie Burdette and her husband, Tom, of Thomaston, Conn., and Joyce Boucino and her husband, Steve, of Brookfield, Conn.; two nephews, CJ Salem and Matthew Burdette.
He was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth Sr. and Patricia Woodfield; along with his dearly missed brother, Kevin Woodfield. David enjoyed having the best neighbors anyone could ask for, Pat and Michael Woodward, and leaves his most fiercely loyal companion, his dog, Little Effer “Boy” Woodfield, who was always with him.
David was a proud U.S. Army veteran, who achieved the rank of sergeant. He was a Morse code interception/communications expert, having served in Germany and Okinawa, and he received several commendations and medals.
He was successful as an independent health and Medicare insurance broker for over 30 years, and was owner/instructor of Gulf Coast Yoga in Venice, along with the love of his life, Linda Hewins.
David realized another entrepreneurial dream, also his reason for moving to Florida, putting in his sweat and tears to build the Personal Touch Car Wash in Port Charlotte.
David had passion, ambition and drive that included his love of boating as he spent countless hours and had many adventures with family and friends through The Freedom Boat Club. He was also a lifelong New York Yankees and New England Patriots fan. David will be sorely missed by so many in Connecticut and Venice, a city he embraced with all of his heart. He was the epitome of the phrase “work hard/play hard.” His mantra in his final months was #nevergiveup. The little things were everything: ice cream, sunrise walks, favorite foods, sharing memories and expressing love.
A calling hour will be Wednesday, April 28, 2021, from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Buckmiller Thurston Mengacci Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck, with a funeral service immediately following at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in St. James Cemetery, Cross Street, Naugatuck. Everyone attending is required to wear a facial covering and to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
In lieu of flowers and to honor David’s memory, his family is requesting donations to the Tidewell Foundation of Sarasota Florida (designated to the Tidewell Honor Veterans’ Program) at www.tidewellhospice.org, or checks may be mailed to Tidewell Foundation, 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34283.
To leave an online condolence, visit www.buckmillerthurstonmengacci.com.
