David Isbell Remembered at Service

The Rev. Mark Porizky, pastor of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Groton, called Wednesday’s funeral service for Ledyard seventh-grader David Isbell a time to remember. “We have been given the privilege to remember,” he said.

What followed were mostly memories of a happy boy who spent his short life spreading joy to others.

He was remembered as a good son, who even at 13 would spend his early evenings sitting out back with his mother, sipping Mountain Dew and talking about nothing in particular.

He was remembered as a good brother, who read books to his little sister, Emma, and tucked her in at night.

He was remembered as a good teammate and friend, whose stabbing catch of a line drive to second base once preserved a one-run victory for his team and his friend Jeff on the mound.

He was remembered as a good student by teachers, both at Ledyard Middle School and at the dojo where he studied karate. “I teach about building character,” his karate instructor told a packed sanctuary at St. Andrew's. “He came with it already.”

David Hart Isbell died on March 11, 2011, at Yale-New Haven Hospital after a short illness.

“As you can imagine, the Ledyard Middle School community has been in mourning all week,” said schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Graner. “We have lost one of our finest, a boy who epitomized a love of life, and who brought joy to those around him.”

Graner said it was David’s perpetual smile that will best be remembered. “We all need to embrace life as he did, and seek the happiness that David had and so willingly shared with others.”

“David would not want us to dwell on his death, but to celebrate his life,” said his mother, Mary Isbell.

“We thank God for the 13 years we had with him,” she said. “We don’t feel he was taken from us to be cruel, but rather to help those who might have lost their way, to find their way back.”

Toward the end of the service a montage of photographs from David’s life was projected at the front of the church to the song, “Tears in Heaven,” by Eric Clapton. Interment will be private at Colonel Ledyard Cemetery in Groton.

“To David’s friends, be proud, because he had an uncanny ability to choose the best kids for his friends,” Mary Isbell said. “And to the parents, be thankful you have such wonderful children, and take comfort in that. Never take it for granted.”

Porizky spoke of the strength shown during the week by David’s parents, David Sr. and Mary, and of the support of the community.

“Please remember this family weeks and months from now, when that casserole will really come in handy,” he said. “Mark some weird day in November on your calendar, and just show up.”