David P. Sculley

Amesbury, MA - David Paul Sculley, 64, formerly of Newburyport, MA, passed away peacefully in Portsmouth NH on May 9, 2024, after a brief illness. He resided with MaryAnn Sculley, his patient, ever faithful, loving wife, and best friend, along with their son, Tristan – in Amesbury MA. Dave was known to all as a mellow and gentle man. Outgoing and down-to-earth, he made friends easily by employing his quick wit and encyclopedic range of interests. He’d be the first to share a meal, a joke or a hug – whatever you most needed. He will be remembered for his relentless quirky sense of humor, enthusiasm and buoyant good nature, even as he struggled with lifelong mental health challenges. Fourth-born to Norman and Betty Sculley in Norwalk CT, Dave grew up in his treasured Marvin Beach neighborhood, attended local schools and graduated in 1978 from Norwalk High School, where he proudly played trombone as a member of the school’s esteemed marching band. Having grown up on the shores of Long Island Sound in East Norwalk CT, Dave cherished his memories of purchasing his first boat – a small rowboat that he would lovingly paint at the beginning of each season before spending countless hours in the summertime rowing on the glistening waters of The Sound. It is here that Dave’s love for US maritime history began, leading more recently to his deep primary research into the American Continental Navy as will one day be revealed in a book he was lovingly writing, which his family intends to finish and have published to his credit. Dave attended the University of New Hampshire in Durham NH where he continued to play trombone and went on to earn a B.S. – Hotel Administration in 1982. While at UNH, he met his lifelong dearest friends, Jim Thibeau and Russell Davies. Dave spent most of his professional career in software implementation. Whether it was business solutions for the construction industry, or learning tools in higher education, Dave always put his customers first, and it showed. Customers loved Dave’s responsiveness and passion for solving their problems. Later in his career, he became a leadership development consultant and was also certified as a personal coach. With his creativity and UNH culinary training, Dave was a shining star among a family of “foodies”, preparing festive dishes and relishing the role of holiday host, alongside his hosting-partner-in-crime MaryAnn as together they orchestrated fun destination Thanksgivings during which they welcomed the multi-generational Sculley family at vacation homes rented in the Adirondacks at Lake Waramaug in New Preston CT, and in the Berkshires in Hancock MA. Ever cherishing the outdoors, Dave was always up for hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. He also treasured family weekends skiing at Sunday River in Newry ME with MaryAnn, along with sons Ethan, Jared, and Tristan. Drawn to the seashore, Dave’s favorite place on the planet was Block Island, where he would bring his family for summer vacations, and where he had dreamed of retiring one day with MaryAnn to enjoy the island’s mystical and calming spirit. Those that knew and loved Dave will recall his lifelong love and gift for music. An eager performer across many music genres and instruments, but particularly the trombone, Dave played regularly in school, family and community events. He was the first of the celebrated Sculley Trombone Line in the Marvin Beach July Fourth marching band. Dave‘s parents, Norman J. Sculley, and Betty Bracken Sculley, and his mother-in-law Gertrude “Ann” Waring preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife MaryAnn Sculley (nee Waring), their son Tristan, and her extended family; Dave’s former wife Lisa (Davey) Sculley, their sons Ethan and Jared, and her extended family; Dave’s three siblings: Ellen (with Bob Paul), Richard (with Frances Cole and family) and John Sculley (with Mary Martin and family); six first cousins and innumerable second cousins; UNH friends for life, especially Jim (and Janet) Thibeau and Russell Davies (with Jeff Howlett); and his constant companion, MaryAnn’s 21-year-old cat Ozzie. In keeping with Dave’s loving and generous spirit, he donated life-saving organs so that others may live. Please consider making a gift in Dave’s memory to New England Donor Services, either online at https://give.classy.org/GiveNEDS , or by check mailed to New England Donor Services, 60 First Avenue, Waltham MA 02451. To celebrate Dave’s life, the family encourages friends and loved ones to gather independently to share stories and reminisce.

David P. Sculley

January 30, 1960 - May 9, 2024