David Stephen Sandison, 65 of Waltham, Massachusetts passed away peacefully on October 11, 2017 at his home at St. Mary Apartments.

He was born on February 22, 1952 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the son of James and Mary Alice Sandison (Toohey).

He received his education at Beaver Brook School, Belmont, Massachusetts, Deveraux School, West Chester, Pennsylvania; John T. Berry School, North Reading, Massachusetts and Groton Wood Educational Handicap Program, Groton, Massachusetts.

During David’s younger years, he was involved with Remme Camp of Waltham, where he traveled with other young adults from Waltham and surrounding communities. He was also a special Olympics gold medalist in track and field, softball, and bowling.

David left Groton Wood when he turned 40 to live independently in his beloved City of Waltham. He enjoyed being an honorary member of the Elks and playing bingo. In 1996, David joined programs at the Edinburg Center, Lexington to accomplish his journey of becoming living independently in Waltham. David was involved and help support the Waltham Community Day Center and became a dedicated member of First Parish Church, Waltham.

Through the years David was a loyal member of the Democratic National Committee. He was honored by the State of Massachusetts with numerous citations for supporting the goals and ideals of the party.

In May of 2016, David was proud to receive the Shining Star Award from the Edinburg Center after being nominated by his councilor and friend of over 20 years, Joe Castellano. This award was in recognition of his outstanding personal achievements in the developmental disabilities clinical team program.

David always had a smile on his face. He cherished his family and every friendship he created in his lifetime. He was recognized by all in the City of Waltham, where he enthusiastically held the position of Sargent of Arms for the City Council. He could often be found enjoying time with friends at the Waltham Police Department, Waltham Fire Department, his home at St. Mary Apartments, Waltham Community
Day Center and, of course, Dunkin Donuts.

He is survived by his brother, James (Skip/Char) his wife, Marilyn (Queenie) Sandison of Ayer, Massachusetts; his nephew, Jeff (Biff) Sandison of Ayer, Massachusetts; and his niece, Joy (Joyous) and her husband, Tony (Tone) Fernandes of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.

The family greatly appreciates the outpouring of support from friends and family as we celebrate David’s life together.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a Funeral Service in celebration of David's life at the First Parish of Waltham, 50 Church St., Monday at 11 a.m. Interment Private. Visiting hours will be held at the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons, 773 Moody St., Waltham, Sunday from 3 - 7 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in David’s memory to the Edinburg Center, 205 Burlington Rd. Bedford, MA 01730; or the First Parish Unitarian Universalist, 50 Church St. Waltham, MA 02452.

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