- Date Of Birth: December 2, 1943
- Date Of Death: March 13, 2022
- State: Colorado
David F. Zulian (“Mario”, “Dad”, “Papa”, “Papa Zu”), age 78, of Grand Junction, Colorado, passed away on Sunday, March 13, 2022, after a brief illness.
David was born in Mt. Harris, Colorado to Naomi and Charles Zulian on Thursday, December 2, 1943. He grew up in Western Colorado, attended and graduated from Moffat County High School in Craig, Colorado and went on to earn his Associates Degree from Citrus College in California. Early in his career, he worked as a Supervisor of the production lines for Ford Motor Company in California, worked as a coal miner in Craig, Colorado and drove over-the-road for many years for various organizations.
He was involved with fundraising efforts for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Salvation Army. It was his honor to have served as President of the Western Slope chapter of the HOG (Harley-Davidson Owner’s Group) club.
David was a passionate and proud man in many ways – first and foremost, his family. He never met a baby or child he couldn’t make laugh. He was proud of his Italian heritage. He enjoyed engaging in political, economical and social conversations and wrote many letters to the Editor of the local newspaper voicing his opinion on many topics. He took every opportunity to educate himself when possible. He was an avid outdoorsman, adventurer and nature lover. While fishing was his main game, he also enjoyed hunting, camping, car racing and motorcycle riding during his life. He played a mean game of Zilch – a family favorite – and shot professional billiards. He loved cars, music, popcorn, vanilla ice cream, chocolate covered cherries, all-things cinnamon, pepperoni, Crown Royal and Squirt.
David was proud to be a Veteran during Vietnam on the USS Kitty Hawk and to have served his country in the Navy. He could not be still and there wasn’t much that could hold him back from designing, creating, building and doing his projects. There wasn’t anything he could not fix. He was meticulous about most things and known for the motto “If you’re going to do it, do it right the first time.”
He is survived by his lifetime companion, Margaret Zulian of Grand Junction; children Gina Zulian (Sherri Jordan), Kimberly Zulian (Aaron Steinberg), and Amber Bateman (Blackstone); brothers Floyd Zulian, Chuck Zulian (Pat); six grandchildren, Whitney S. (Richard), Kaitlin P., Daniel P., Gemma B., Helli B., Emmi S.; four great-grandsons, Gavin T., Jacoby S., Levi S. and Luke S. and several nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Naomi, brother Dannie, sister Deanna, and granddaughter Adeline.
Per David’s wishes, he will be cremated and returned to his family.
