Private

Queripel– David R., of East Rockaway, NY on August 1, 2023. Devoted husband and best friend of Colleen O’Donnell. Cherished brother of Jill Keesee (the late William Malnichuck) and Lynn (Robert) Donnelly. Beloved by many in-laws and their spouses, uncles and aunts, cousins and their spouses and children, nieces and nephews and their spouses, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many other friends. Reposing at The Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons West Islip Funeral Home, 1225 Montauk Hwy., (1/4 mile west of the Robert Moses Cswy.). A Prayer Service will be held at the Funeral Home Sunday at 3:00 PM, followed by Words of Remembrance in Dave’s memory. Cremation to follow privately. At the request of the family, guests attending Dave’s services are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts and surfing attire as a celebration of Dave’s life. Visiting Sunday 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM. On Tuesday, August 1 while enjoying his third year of retirement, Dave passed away from a sudden and unexpected cardiac arrest. He will be remembered by all for his laugh, smile his hugs and his eternal youthfulness. He lived his life fully with a positive attitude. He had a quick wit and his corny jokes and puns were enjoyed by all.

He was a true Pisces and loved anything to do with the water. The bonds of friendship and camaraderie forged during his early career as a Town of Hempstead lifeguard remain strong. He found his best friends and his wife while working the beaches and pools. It was here that he learned the importance of safety that he brought to his 35 years working in the airline industry. He described his flight attendant career as the best job he could have found. He loved his time in the air and took pride and pleasure in working first class. He was grateful that his job gave him the time off to fully enjoy the things that brought him pleasure and accomplishment. He was a talented craftsman and artist and took pride in his woodwork whether building his boat or enhancing his home. He was a dreamer but a realist. He recently shared his insight that the boat he built represents his creativity and tenacity and is a beautiful work of art even if his original dream for it changed. Family and experiencing life’s pleasures and challenges took precedence. He is missed by all.

The family requests donations to be made to Surfrider Foundation Central Long Island P.O. Box 431 Long Beach, NY 11561 Online donations can be made using web address below. https://centralli.surfrider.org/?form=FUNRAJMCNRC