It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dale "Sam" David on the 25th of March, 2025. Sam was born on the 9th of October, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio as the eldest of Albert David and Antoinette Schulz David's four children. He spent the majority of his childhood in Maryland before committing to the Navy at age 17, excited to see the world as soon as his 18th birthday arrived. It was there he earned the nickname "Sammy Sonar" while pinpointing undersea pings and blips.

Sam was a man of gravitas, tucked behind an exterior of dry, sarcastic wit and a passion for punny Dad jokes. Yet beneath his gruff and bristly exterior was a generous man who adored his family and every dog that passed through the doors of our home. He was a man of few words, but the words he did share were meaningful and genuine. A practical man, he often queried, "How's the car? When did you last get an oil change?" or "What's your plan?" and always reminding everyone to "Hug your mother."

Sam's commitment and dedication shone brightly in his military career as a US Navy Lt. Commander. Initially a "submariner extraordinaire" he spent time under the oceans on several top secret tours. Craving more time on land and above water, he moved his family across the country from Vallejo, California to Stafford, Virginia to work at the Pentagon. On land, he was an accomplished athlete with truly great gams! Even in his later years, his calf muscles were a sight to behold. As a young man, he played soccer and baseball and was a dedicated youth soccer coach in his post-playing days. He was a self-taught avid golfer in his later years, enjoying it immensely after retiring from the Navy and moving to Titusville, FL in 1992.  Nevertheless, he was always proudest of his biggest accomplishment: his amazing wife and daughters.

Sam's legacy can be tasted in the smoky tenderness of a grilled steak, felt in the generous allotment of his time, and seen in his knack for DIY creativity. He had a culinary gift, an ability to create a delicious meal out of just about anything. Friends, family, and neighbors will miss his ambitious meal preparations, his "...as seen on Food Network" restaurant recommendations, and the soulful tunes of his dinner music playlists.

His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the memories we shared, the laughs we had, the wisdom he imparted, and the love he showed. We take comfort in knowing that Sam's legacy of generosity, humor, and creativity will continue to inspire and touch lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sam's family in this difficult time.

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