David Bernard Delves

On May 13, 1943, David Delves was born in Providence, RI to the late Manny and Althea Delves (nee Dandy)  and the youngest of five siblings predeceased by Joan Crichton (nee Delves), Kenneth Delves, Charles Delves, and Manuel Delves. As the youngest, David created ways to be seen and heard. From the art of communication, designing and sewing clothes, to wielding a paintbrush- art became his outlet. 

Louis Nizer wrote, “A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.”  David produced art with all three aspects of himself: his hands, his brain, and his heart. 

David’s skills manifested themselves in carpentry, painting, photography, and fashion design just to name a few. Many of his works reflected the times in which he lived from the Black is Beautiful movement “I’m Black and I’m Proud” to idyllic landscapes. As an enthusiast of the famous painter, Bob Ross, his later paintings mostly consisted of moonlit waterfalls, sunset beaches, and lighthouses. 

David was recognized as a man of great style and charm - even during the last days in the nursing home he preferred to be well-groomed in a full beard, stetson hat, collared shirt, a blazer, and finished with classic loafers. An extrovert and lover of music; he was skilled in smooth talk, sarcasm, and dance moves. He loved to teach art, cook, watch classic movies, and revel in the essence of mother nature where he was most inspired.

David Delves passed away on Friday, February 26, 2021, in Montefiore Hospital - Weiler, Bronx, New York at the age of 77. 

He leaves behind a motley crew of creative and proud children including Sakisha Delves, Maryum (son in- law Lamaka) Opa, and Dawud (daughter in- law, Alexandria) Delves and a host of grandchildren.  

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