David J. Taft entered eternal rest on October 28, 2021. He was the second oldest son of Hazel Taft and the late Carlos B. Taft. David was born in Tacoma, Washington, but grew up in New Haven.
David attended Immanuel Baptist Church with his family and accepted Christ at an early age. He was a faithful member of the youth group, sang in the youth choir and served as a Junior Usher.
David attended New Haven Public Schools and graduated from Hillhouse High School with Honors in 1973. While attending Hillhouse, David played on the football team and worked part-time as a mechanic at Oliver Brothers Auto Service on Dixwell Avenue. He received a scholarship to attend Boston University where he served as a Resident Assistant and graduated with a Bachelor of Art Degree.
After graduation, David returned home and began his distinguished career as a police officer with the City of New Haven Police Department on September 18, 1978. He was promoted to Detective and then Sergeant. David proudly served the community and the New Haven Police Department for 36 years. He was a hardworking, dutiful, and dedicated officer during his career in policing and received multiple awards and letters of commendation. The letters of commendation spoke of his professionalism, courage, dedication, pride, dignity, hard work, tact and exemplary practices. He was affectionately known as “Sarge” and during his retirement on June 21, 2014, he was recognized for showing exemplary pride in every phase of his career including serving as a member of the Honor Guard. He ended his career as the Sergeant in charge of the Background Investigation Unit.
David loved dance and began taking adult dance classes at Dee Dee’s Dance Center in New Haven for exercise, to relieve stress and to pursue his long desire to learn how to Tap Dance. He supported the parent committee and participated in dance recitals for many years. It was here that he met his wife, Melanie and daughter Alexis Liptrot. They all continued dancing at Tia Russell Dance Studio until the studio temporarily closed due to the pandemic.
David and Melanie were married on September 26, 2015. David loved Alexis with all his heart and was an amazing father to her. He was a caring and supportive husband to Melanie and loved to make her smile. He was protective of his mother and did all he could to take care of her. David loved family unconditionally including his in-laws and had special relationships with each family member. He maintained a close relationship with his five nieces Whitney, Christina, Paris, Arianna and Karla and they in turn adored him. He loved family re-unions and happily assisted in the planning and execution of these family gatherings.
David has been a member of Christian Tabernacle Baptist Church for over seven years and was a faithful member of the CTBC Usher Board. He also assisted with security and participated in the Bridges of Hope mentoring program.
David loved musical theatre, state and country fairs, zip lining, snorkeling, fishing, working out, shopping, traveling and much more. For years he led a workout group. He had a drive that was unapparelled and despite his health challenges he loved to go out and always wanted to be active.
Supporting community was paramount to his being and he did whatever he could to help others to better their lives through scholarship contributions, theme-based walks and various community and/or fundraising events.
David’s unassuming personality, humility, generous spirit and infectious smile will be sorely missed by his devoted wife, Melanie Liptrot-Taft; adoring daughter, Alexis Liptrot; loving mother, Hazel Taft; dedicated brothers, Carlos (Sandra) Taft, Jr. of Rochester, NY and Jonathan (Jacky) Taft of New Haven; godson, Isaiah Wooten; in-laws, Robert and Fannie Liptrot; brother-in-law, Robert E. (Nola) Liptrot; and a host of caring and loving aunts, uncles, nieces, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Carlos B. Taft, Sr.; and sister, Terri Yvonne Taft-Hicks, both of whom meant the world to him.
David’s earthly presence will be sorely missed, but he will remain in our hearts for a lifetime!