David Kersey Hyatt, 79, entered into eternal rest Sept. 5 in the comfort of his home. Born in Trenton, New Jersey, on March 8, 1936, he was the only child of the late Alton Rufus Hyatt and the late Helen Ruth Kersey.
He followed in his father’s footsteps and graduated from Yale University, then went on to Brown University, where he studied physics in a graduate program. David had several different careers throughout his life. He taught for several years in preparatory schools, ran a counseling service, was a ski instructor in Colorado, and framed houses as a carpenter. David loved to read; you could find him at the Branford Library for hours at a time. He loved to row from his home on the Branford River. He was an avid bridge player, and over the years, as a member of the Shoreline Bridge Club, he directed games at various clubs. Many of the bridge players in Connecticut knew Dave—one thing he was well known for was his desire to “save a tree” by reusing scoring slips until every line was filled in. He preferred his eccentric lifestyle and was very passionate about his bridge games, his land in Branford, and his forever loyal dog Oz.
His continual and generous donations surpassed his years of influencing the young minds of Albertus Magnus College. Over the years Dave made many donations to his alma mater Yale, and believed in the enrichment of other people’s lives, as he also made donations to the Branford Community Foundation in hopes of improving the quality of other people’s lives locally.
David is survived by his daughter Janet B. Knox of South Carolina; his only living cousin Jane Hyatt Clark, who resides in the Carolinas; and the person he considered to be his grandson, Spencer J. Russo of Branford. He was predeceased by seven adult first cousins.
Following Dave’s wishes, there will be no public calling hours and burial will be private. To honor his life, any donations should be made, in his name, to the Community Dining Room, 30 Harrison Ave. #1, Branford, CT 06405.
A celebration of his life is being planned. Friends and family will be notified.
