David Clark Kay

Long-time Martinsville resident David Clark Kay passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 26, 2019; he was 94 years young. Those who knew Dave will remember him for his intellect, age-defying athleticism, and pride in his family.

He was born in 1924, grew up in Bloomfield, NJ and graduated with both a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from Cornell University. He served his country in World War II and completed his education on the GI Bill. After graduation, he skied extensively in Switzerland while learning to speak German. He loved exploring other cultures, and worked in São Paolo, Brazil while learning Portuguese. He later continued his love of language and travel by learning Italian and cycling through Europe.

Dave enjoyed working as a chemical engineer, earning his Professional Engineering license, and only retired in his 70s when his office moved too far to ride his bike to work. He was a volunteer member of the Martinsville Rescue Squad and the Spring Run Pool manager for many years and cared deeply about helping his neighbors.

He was a talented competitive runner, completing dozens of 10k races, and he then moved to cycling when his knees no longer enjoyed running as much as his spirit did. His cycling groups, including the Morris Area Freewheelers and West Jersey Wheelmen, were his extended family, and he enjoyed the camaraderie of stopping for muffins and cookies along the ride as much as he did the ride itself.

Dave was predeceased by his wife of 50 years Frances Kay, his parents, Lillian and William Kay and his brother, William Lewis Kay. He is survived by his beloved daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Michael Sheehan of Glenwood, MD, Susan and Thomas Campbell of Annandale, NJ and Judy Kay and Patrick Quinn of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jack, Matthew and Julia Sheehan of Glenwood, MD, Brigid Campbell of Washington, DC, and William Campbell of Annandale, NJ.

A celebration of Dave’s life will be held from 6 to 9 pm on Friday, March 22 at Alfonso’s Trattoria at 99-101 West Main Street, Somerville, NJ. Bike attire optional.
For those who wish to make a charitable contribution in his memory, please consider Fish of Dunellen (www.fishdunellenarea.org).