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His Heart Was in Cape Cod

David L. Angell piled up Emmy Awards for his work on shows like "Cheers," "Wings" and "Frasier," but he was known for keeping his heart firmly on Cape Cod and for his closeness to his wife. "Lynn supported him for five years while he wrote and looked for a break," said Sally Reeder, a friend. "They used to say they had one suitcase packed and were ready to return to New England when he finally caught on."

Mr. Angell, 54, wrote compelling scenes, said Tom Reeder, a co-writer on "Cheers." "He picked his spots to say anything very carefully, but more often than not he had the perfect words when he spoke," Mr. Reeder said. And Mr. Angell valued golf performance -- he had a 2 handicap -- over appearances. "He got his golf shirts at Penney's," said Mrs. Reeder. "He didn't care about designer labels."

The Angells, who celebrated their 30th anniversary this summer, had been excitedly watching the last stages of construction of their new home in Chatham, Mass., before boarding American Airlines Flight 11 in Boston to return to California.

Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on November 26, 2001.


A Memorial Mass will be held Monday, September 17, 2001 for David Angell and his wife Lynn Edwards Angell who perished together on the hi-jacked American Airlines Flight #11 when it was flown into the World Trade Center Tower by terrorists. May Go I bless their eternal souls. The devoted couple had just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary this year. David Angell was born the youngest of three children to Mae Cooney Angell and Henry Angell on April 10, 1946, in Providence, Rhode Island. David graduated from Providence College, where he later received an honorary doctorate degree. After graduation, David enlisted in the U.S. Army and served at the Pentagon. Lynn Edwards, was born on August 11, 1949 in Birmingham, Alabama, to Thomas and Marilyn Edwards. Lynn attended Auburn University which prepared her for an early career as a librarian. David met Lynn on Cape Cod where he was working at the Eastward Ho Country Club and she was waitressing for the summer. They were married on August 14, 1971 and settled in Providence. Lynn worked as a librarian, and David became an insurance technical writer, which did little to challenge his creative talents. Finally, they agreed to take a chance on Hollywood. Lynn's librarian skills supported David through those lean and learning times in Los Angeles. For five years David tried to break into television writing, and finally scored when one of his stories for the Archie Bunker series was accepted. David's first big break came, however, when his "Old Flame" episode written for "Cheers" won an Emmy for Best Comedy Writing in a Series. This success propelled David into a very propitious relationship with David Lee and Peter Casey, and "Grubstreet Productions" was formed. Their first creation together was the very successful "Wings" series, and their second creation has been one of the most popular, Emmy Award-winning series in modern television, "Frasier." David is survived by his brother, the Most Reverend Kenneth A. Angell, who is Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Burlington, Vermont; his sister, Claire Miller and her husband, Bernard of Stowe, Vermont; and their four children: Karen Brendli and her husband, Philip; Ann Rice and her husband, David; Stephen Miller and his wife, Georgeann; and Kathleen Grinley and her husband, Joseph. David also leaves behind ten grandnieces and nephews; and his very special partners, David Lee and Peter Casey, who knew David so well as "a kind and gentle man with a quiet exterior that masked one of the sharpest comedy minds ever to write for television." Lynn is survived by her mother, Marilyn Edwards; her brother, Dr. Thomas Edwards and his wife, Rennie; a niece, Leslie Cameron and a nephew, Christopher Allen, all of Birmingham, Alabama. Lynn and David were devoted, faith-based, spirit-filled partners in love and life. Theirs was a journey of joy, kindness, and gentleness, but it was a journey done too soon. A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 noon on Monday, September 17, 2001 at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Providence, Rhode Island. The family wishes to thank all who have offered their condolences, prayers and support during this tragic time, including friends across the country, from Los Angeles to Cape Cod to Rhode Island and Vermont. They would also like to express appreciation to the priests and faithful of the Diocese of Burlington and to Bishop Mulvee, the priests and friends of the Diocese of Providence. Last, and especially, the family thanks the members of the media who have been so understanding during these trying days. Those who wish to preserve the memory of David and Lynn might consider donations to: Hillsides Home for Children, 940 Avenue 64, Pasadena, CA 91105 or Providence College Scholarship Fund, Providence, RI 02918. READY FUNERAL SERVICEDirectors 802-862-0991

Paid Notice published in THE LOS ANGELES TIMES on September 14, 2001.