David J. Vancelette

Actor, singer, entertainer, David Vancelette, 80, died peacefully on May 31 at the Hospice of the Comforter in Altamonte Springs, from complications of chronic heart and lung ailments. Vancelette was best known for his portrayal of "Daddy Warbucks" in the musicals "Annie" and "Annie Warbucks," playing that role in fifteen different productions across the country. Locally he was known to theatre goers at the Mark Two and Orlando-Broadway dinner theatres as well as for his one-man shows. He worked in this capacity as entertainer for both the city of Orlando and Orange County. Other favorite roles were as "Don Quixote" in "Man of La Mancha" and "Wille Clark" in "The Sunshine Boys."

A native of Lynn, MA, Vancelette was both producer and owner of the Theatre East Playhouse in Salem, MA and served on a commission to prevent cruelty to animals for the Commonwealth. He moved to Orlando in 1996 and is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jackie, his daughter Kathleen Morlock of Seattle, WA and brother Henry Vancelette of Salem, MA.

Visitation will be at Newcomer Family Funeral Home, 895 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando, on Thursday June 5 from 6PM-8PM. Interment with military honors will follow on Friday June 6 at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Pkwy., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 (407) 682-0808.