David A. Welch, Sr.

Ashburnham, MA: Devoted husband, father, and family man, David A. Welch died unexpectedly on July 2, 2025, during one of his beloved biking sojourns.

David was raised in Acton, Massachusetts. He enjoyed playing with his siblings, riding his banana-seat bike, fishing, driving an aged tractor, having lots of lively dogs, and building tree forts in the extensive woods behind our antique yellow farmhouse. In his teens, he used his spatial skills to take apart and repair farm equipment, bicycles, and cars. David further honed his building and repair skills at Gamache’s Cyclery in Fitchburg.

David’s considerable mechanical and spatial abilities led him to the construction industry. In his 20s, he established Renvyle Renovations, a small construction company named after the western Ireland town of his forebears. David mentored his younger brother Tom in the business, and they spent several years working side by side. He built and renovated many beautiful homes in the MetroWest area and later founded DAWelch Construction, bringing his son David Jr. on board to help run the business. He continued to produce quality workmanship and lead his employees in a challenging, fast-paced environment where no two jobs were ever the same.

David and his wife, Karen-Jean [Byers] Welch of Burlington, raised two beautiful children, Caitlin and David Jr., and doted on their three grandchildren: Archer, Bear, and Olive. His daughter Caitlin recalls, “[Dad] had a big heart and a quick sense of humor—always ready to joke around or give you a hard time in the most loving way. He was endlessly generous and thoughtful. He lived by a ‘no BS, no complaining’ kind of code—tough, but always there when you needed him. When something caught his interest, he didn’t dabble—he dove in headfirst with full focus and passion. Whether it was cycling or motocross, he went all in. He lived with intensity, loyalty, and an unshakable drive. If you knew him, you got teased at least once (or probably often)—it was just his way of showing he cared.”

David worked long, intense hours, but in recent years he began returning to his roots as a cyclist. He enjoyed the beauty of the trails surrounding his Ashburnham home and cycled regularly, revisiting familiar routes and exploring new ones. He loved reconnecting with cousins at family reunions and mentoring his nephew Xavier, whose college essay focused on all he learned at David’s side.

David’s other passion was his grandchildren. He was as patient, calm, and tender with them as he was tough, uncompromising, and blunt with the outside world. Those of us who knew David well loved him deeply. He was kind, tough, funny, and had a huge heart.

In addition to his loving wife, Karen-Jean; daughter Caitlin and her husband Matt Daley; son David Jr; and his grandchildren; David is survived by his brother Paul Welch and his wife Suzanne of Westford; sister Julie Welch-Bucceri and her husband Mark Bucceri of Littleton; brother Thomas Welch of Weston; and his nieces and nephews: Sarah Welch, Abigail Welch, Riana Bucceri, Xavier Welch, and Nora Welch. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Catherine Mahoney, Dorothy Casey, and her husband, John; brothers-in-law, Paul Byers, David Byers, Daniel Byers, Robert Allen, and his wife, Lynda; as well as all their children and grandchildren.

David’s wake and memorial service will be held at First Church Unitarian, 19 Foster St., Littleton, MA, on Thursday, July 10th. Parking is available behind the Littleton Fire Station at 20 Foster Street, behind the Tahatawan Lodge at 310 King Street, and in the parking lot of the nearby Congregational Church at 330 King Street.

VISITING HOURS:

Thursday, July 10, 20254:00–5:30 PM

First Church Unitarian Vestry

19 Foster Street Littleton, MA

MEMORIAL SERVICE:

Thursday, July 10, 20255:30-6:15 PM

First Church Unitarian Sanctuary 

19 Foster Street Littleton, MA 

David’s Memorial Service will begin at 5:30 PM on Thursday, July 10th. To participate remotely, use the Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/94050745466#success or go directly to the First Church Unitarian link https://www.fculittle.org/ and click on “Summer Services”. 

RECEPTION:

Thursday, July 10, 20256:30-8:00 PM

Parish Hall, First Parish Unitarian, Lower Level Hall

19 Foster Street Littleton, MA

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or New England Assistance Dog Services: NEADS. 

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