Beacon’s Pink Unicorn Lowers His Horn For The Last Time David Shelly- Passes

Every Saturday, the Pink Unicorn of Beacon would walk down Willow Street to Main Street. He would take a right or a left, and walk down Main Street to encounter people with his joy. Often he hung out outside the Marion Royal Gallery, where other artists gather to relax and talk to each other.

David Shelly and his wife Jill lived in a rental near Main Street, and then moved further back a few blocks. Nothing would deter him to become to the Pink Unicorn when he needed to. When he sponsored the Spirit of Beacon’s comeback in 2022, he wanted to march in the parade as the Pink Unicorn. He marched with several recruits, but not without training first, to make sure he could sustain the breathing and responding to kids while in the suit.

In the fall of 2023, Dave discovered he had a brain tumor that was almost liquid-like. He was biking back from the Farmer’s Market one Sunday, and couldn’t quite make it home. He said it took him 1.5 hours to get home, when usually it took him 10 minutes. He doesn’t remember much of anything, but his wife Jill made him go to the hospital to find explanations.

This fall, Dave was told he had a short time to live. It was shocking to hear. He told ALBB while getting a quesadilla from Dulce Cielo MX at the Hudson Valley Food Hall. It made you want to hug him forever. Because would he not be here tomorrow? What was happening.

Indeed. His wife Jill Quaglino was very shaken. Jill has always been Dave’s supporter. His listener. She’s a nurse by training and profession. So she went into per professional mode after his diagnosis. Dave said she was making him seek radiation. He wanted to, to make her happy.

Beaconites held a Pink Unicorn March for him. Just to celebrate the spirit of him. Who knew how long he had left.

Jill announced via social media that they had arranged for hospice to come to the house. And then he was gone. ALBB waited until Jill posted her own words, for when we posted ours.

Jill said this Friday evening: “A week ago you left for the other side of the rainbow, my best friend, my person, my husband. And I till cannot fathom how this is possible. My heart is broken but full all at once and I also don’t know how this is possible but know I’ll love you forever and no one will ever be able to match you in my eyes.”

Photo Credit: Dave Shelly’s Wife, Jill Quaglino