David Shell was born on April 15, 1957 to Wilbert and Beatrice Shell in Rockaway Beach Hospital in Rockaway Beach, NY. He peacefully departed this life on February 7, 2017.

He was educated in Queens, NY, graduating from Flushing High School where he was a prize-winning artist. He then completed two years of college study at LaGuardia Community College. Following taking college courses, he was employed as a NYC Traffic Control Officer for a period of time.

David was a kind and funny person who was loved by all who knew him and was always concerned about the wellbeing of his family. In his latter years, he was considered a well-known and admired community member in his residence, always striving for his independence - to get his own place.

He leaves to mourn his parents Wilbert and Beatrice Shell, his brother Donald Shell, Sister-in-law Robin Barnes Shell, and five nieces and nephews Christopher, Nayo, Samia, Jalon, and Imri. He also leaves to mourn five aunts and one uncle Eva Shell, May Stemrich, Emma McDonald, Edgar Stemrich (Ellen), Cora Belton, and Roberta Stemrich, and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.