David Robert Uttley, of Cumberland, RI, passed away peacefully at the Hope Hospice Center on April 17, 2026 in the company of his dearest friend and devoted caretaker, Sherman Vogelaar. He was 68. Born March 31,1958, Dave was raised in North Providence, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Stevens) Uttley, and the brother of Sandra Smith (Jessica) of Warwick, and Carol Ouellette (Ronald) of North Smithfield. He was also the uncle of Justin Drescher (Lindsay) of Maine. 

Dave was a graduate of North Providence High School, and the Community College of Rhode Island. Dave devoted much of his career to working in the electronics field. He loved to learn and had a brilliant mind for anything scientific. He loved to research and learn about new things. Dave restored many classic hi-fi and stereo components, which were proudly displayed in his home. Dave also restored classic cars and scooters in his business called “Triumphant Return” while he was a resident of New Hampshire. His favorite restorations were his two Triumphs. Upon retirement, he began renovating his home in Cumberland, even building his own kitchen cabinets with skills learned as a teen from his friend’s father, the late Frederick Vogelaar. Dave was always grateful for the construction skills that he learned from his mentor, and saw Mr. Vogelaar as a second dad, and his friend Sherman as a brother. That friendship stood the test of time, and Sherman and his wife Sharon spent many hours helping Dave recently during his illness. 

Dave was a devoted pet parent throughout his life, making a caring home for several rescue animals over the years. Most recently, he lost his faithful companion of 10 years, a pit bull named Donna. Donna sadly passed away during Dave’s courageous battle with cancer, on November 1st of 2025. Her ashes will be buried along with her devoted owner, as Dave loved her dearly. 

Dave has been dedicated to a vegan lifestyle for most of his adult life. He was truly committed to respecting the life of all animals, and personally devoted nearly 50 years to that cause. He was an avid music lover and guitarist, taking great pride in his instruments and his accomplishments in learning to play during his later years. He also dabbled in playing bass and drums over the years, enjoying jam sessions in his basement with friends. Dave loved cooking, and learned to make many vegan dishes, including perfecting a vegan Thanksgiving meal that he was proud to share with family. His Sundays were typically devoted to baking a homemade pizza, or making sauce and enjoying a huge bowl of pasta. He loved his Saturday meetups at various restaurants throughout the state with the RI Vegan and Vegetarian Society, and looked forward to sharing a great meal and conversation with like minded people. Dave spent many happy years camping with friends, motorcycling, enjoying the music of his favorite bands, sharing great beer and food with friends, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors. He believed in treating others with dignity, and lived a good life of kindness and compassion. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family. 

Calling hours will be held at Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, RI on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 from Noon to 2 pm. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Park Cemetery, 1 Rhode Island Avenue in Johnston. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in David’s name to Hope Hospice Center, North Main Street, Providence(www.hopehealthco.org) or to Handsome Dan’s Pet Rescue (handsomedansrescue.org).