David Ladd Wollenweber

David Ladd Wollenweber, 22, died January 14, 2010 at his home in Cranston. He was born on Sept. 16, 1987 in Providence. He lived his early years in Wakefield with his family but also under the loving eyes of his grandparents Paul and Eva Ladd, who exposed him to farming, music, art, books, organic food, tree climbing and much love. He then moved to Barrington as a teenager, where he befriended many great kids such as Spike, Matt, Lou and Ryan with whom he remained a lifelong friend. In high school he attended the Met School in Providence and was fortunate to have the brilliant Elliot Levine as his teacher and mentor. During these years he fully developed his interest in antique weaponry and warfare. He worked as a tour guide at the Framingham Armory and Museum, where when asked, “Are you studying this in your Master's,” he answered, “No, I'm only 15.” He had a great passion for knowledge in ancient history and ancient weaponry. He made his own ancient weapons, including becoming skilled in the making, weaving and the use of ancient slings. After high school he attended college for a few years, but then started working. After a stint of working, including at a seafood plant with his father where he also practiced his Spanish, and in the woods of Vermont on his aunt's maple sugar farm, he was reentering college this semester to study archeology. He greatly loved animals, especially cats. He was an avid and eclectic reader. Other than being loving and greatly loved by those who knew him, his greatest skills were his use of words, puns, jokes and the ability to recall the most arcane of facts. He is survived by his father, Mark Wollenweber; his mother, Rebecca Ladd; his sister, Elinor; and his brother, Nathan. He also is survived by his grandmother, Eva Ladd of Wakefiel and his grandparents, Rev. Robert Wollenweber and Wilma Wollenweber of Brevard, N.C. (formerly of Wakefield RI). A remembrance was held Jan. 18 in The Butterfield Chapel, 500 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, with a service. To sign an online guestbook visit www.thebutterfieldhome.com.