Born in the Bronx, New York on August 9, 1926 to William and Veronica Shea (née Butler), David (“Dave”) spent his childhood in the South Bronx during the difficult years of the depression. When he was a teenager, his family moved to Rockland County (New City) where, other than his years in the Army, he would spend his life and build his family.
He joined the Army on September 11, 1944, forgoing his senior year of high school. Dave set out for Europe on the RMS Queen Mary and joined the 2nd Cavalry Regiment of Patton’s 3rd Army. “Patton’s Ghosts” fought across Europe and into the former Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), the easternmost point of US forces in the European Theater during the war.
Upon his return to civilian life, Dave found his calling in law enforcement, initially with the Palisades Park Police and then the New York State Police. After his retirement at the age of 55, he joined the Arson Unit of the Rockland County Sheriff's Bureau of Criminal Identification. His career spanned more than 40 years as a highway patrol officer, sergeant, detective and an investigator. He was proud to serve the Rockland County community on duty and off, ever vigilant and ready to offer assistance when needed or step in harm’s way without hesitation.
Dave was a Charter Member of the New City American Legion, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Association of Former State Troopers and the Rockland County Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. He was a graduate of the New York State Police Academy and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA.
He was a life-long fan of the New York Football Giants but his passion was for baseball and, after the New York Baseball Giants moved west, the New York Mets. For many years after the war Dave was a catcher with the New City Farmers, a semi-pro baseball club that played teams throughout Rockland. Following his playing days, he made an impact on many young men as a youth baseball coach in Stony Point.
Always a friendly, kind and considerate gentleman, Dave touched the hearts of all those who knew him, offering sincere warmth and friendship without pretense. He will be remembered for his affable nature, optimism and positive outlook on life.
Dave is predeceased by Mary (née Gizzi), his wife of 34 years and his brothers William, Patrick and Thomas. He is survived by his long time sweetheart Jean Liptak of Nanuet, NY, his three sons, Thomas and his wife Christine of Marcellus, NY, David, and his wife Jennifer of Darien, CT, Robert and his wife Colleen of Madison, CT, and his brother Jeremiah of New York, NY. “Pop Pop” as he was affectionately known was loved and adored by his grandchildren; Laura, Aidan, Kevin, Maguire, Carter and Ryan. He will also be missed by Jean’s children; Tom and his wife Ann of Sea Bright NJ, Nancy Devine and her husband Joe of Bend OR, David and his wife Nancy of Monroe NY, Susan Brazell and her husband Guy of Parker CO, Jim and his wife Sue of Castle Pines, CO and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held from 2 to 4pm and 7 to 9pm Friday October 5 at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 113 Lake Rd E, Congers, NY. A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am on Saturday October 6, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 128 Parrott Rd, West Nyack, NY.
In Lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Catholic Charities of Rockland County, 78 Hudson Avenue Haverstraw, NY 10927 http://www.ccsrockland.org
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