David J. Murelli

David John Murelli, 74, of Torrington, CT, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, June 13, 2024. Born September 24, 1949, in Torrington, CT, to the late John and Beatrice Murelli, he was a member of the Torrington High School Class of 1967, where he was a standout, if not legendary, pitcher for the THS baseball team. While attending Post Community College, he met his wife Diane (Reilly) Murelli, through a close mutual friend, Sandy, and together they built their family over a 53-year marriage.

Beginning in 1973, Dave worked as a steel fabricator at his father-in-law Joseph Reilly’s company, RAM Welding in Naugatuck. He later purchased the company in 1981 and, under his direction, the company grew from a small 8-man shop into a manufacturing operation considered one of New England's premier precision sheet metal fabricators. He was a proud member of the Rotary Club of Naugatuck and the Torrington Elks as well as the Chair of the Torrington Housing Authority. He was also a dedicated member of The Torrington Country Club for many years, enjoying countless hours with friends. To know him was to love him, whether you knew him for a few minutes or a lifetime.

Well known throughout Connecticut, Dave’s contributions to youth sports have affected countless young lives. Every player he coached became one of his “kids” for life. His generosity extended to everyone he met. He was a coach throughout his life, starting as an assistant coach for his brother Donald’s celebrated 1975 P38 State Championship team and continuing through this past year coaching his granddaughter Avery’s youth softball team. His single biggest contribution to youth sports was in founding the RAM travel basketball team. Dave self-funded the first team’s creation in the 1980s, coached throughout the 1990s, and, with the help of Diane and a partnership with the Torrington Police Athletic League (PAL), he expanded it into the organization that supports multiple 6th, 7th and 8th grade boys and girls today. 

His greatest accomplishment, and his most valued treasure, was his family. His “familia”. In addition to his wife Diane, he is survived by his children: David and his wife Stephanie of Concord, NH, Scott and his wife Kelsey of Torrington CT, Ryan and his wife Diana of Belleville, NJ and Julie (his baby) and her husband Wes of Torrington, CT. He is also survived by his brother, Donald and his wife Michele of Litchfield, CT. His eleven grandchildren—Brianna, Zachary, Emma, Peyton, Isabella, Luciana, Avery, Cecilia, Ryan Janie, Kayden, and Carter- brought him immense joy. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, each one of whom held a special place in his heart.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. celebrated at Our Lady of Hope Parish (Immaculate Heart of Mary Church), 78 Litchfield Road, Harwinton, CT. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at church. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington, CT.

 “Hey, Wai-oh!” In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation, 33 East Main St., P. O. Box 1144, Torrington, CT 06790, Attn: The David Murelli Scholarship Fund.

Condolences may be sent to David’s family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com