- Date Of Birth: February 25, 1930
- Date Of Death: March 28, 2020
- State: New Jersey
David passed away peacefully in his sleep shortly after sunrise on March 28, 2020 from a lofty perch overlooking the Barnegat Bay with his family close to his heart. He was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey where he, together with his brother “Dutch,” excelled in sports including baseball, football, gymnastics and tennis.
His father “Adie” was a well-known local artist, businessman and sportsman. His mother “Dove” was a confidante of Florenz Ziegfeld and patroness of the arts. He lost his mother at the age of eight and missed her his entire life. Not having a mother forced him to gain a “street sense” in Plainfield when he was not otherwise obtaining a more traditional education at the many schools he attended including: the Wardlaw School, The Lawrenceville School, The New Hampton School, and The University of Virginia. He also spent many summers working on lobster boats in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
He served his country proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed on the USS Coral Sea aircraft carrier and later part of an anti-submarine aircraft patrol crew in the North Atlantic based in Brunswick, Maine. These experiences helped form the David we all knew. David became a successful businessman starting as a buyer for Lord and Taylor, and a manufacturer’s representative for several companies. He then founded and operated an injection molding company and ended his career running a healthcare business. He was also an avid sportsman who loved to fish, hunt, ski, play tennis, boat and fly airplanes. He was the owner of several boats and airplanes over the years.
He used to regularly fly to his longtime home in Sarasota, Florida commuting from his other longtime homes in Watchung, Hunterdon County and Normandy Beach, New Jersey. In Normandy Beach, his legacy included the installation of the community tennis courts. The courts, which are still enjoyed today, brought the community together and were a place where David presided with his “unique” tennis style until only a few years ago. David’s life was largely blessed with many who loved him and maybe a little cursed at times. Most of the cursing could be heard on the receiving end of his slices, spins and drop shots on the tennis courts from his opponents.
David lived life fully to the end and he never gave up on “living.” His greatest advice was to always “live and think young.” Even a month ago, on his 90th birthday, he imparted this advice to his grandchildren: “never grow up.” David is survived by his wife Joanne, daughter Sue Buzzi (husband Jack), son Tom, grandchildren Leigh Diacont (husband Chad), Brenton, Dana Perry (husband Greg), Scott Martindell, great granddaughter Dove (Dana and Greg) and a great grandchild on the way (Leigh and Chad).
He was well cared for and loved in his final days by his caregiver Maka. As we say goodbye, we imagine David flying his Beechcraft Bonanza low over Normandy Beach, buzzing 2nd Avenue and on to the Atlantic Ocean. He fades off into the wild blue yonder to meet his mother once again. David has left the planet!
