David Wayne Seitz

SEITZ, David Wayne, 74, born April 5, 1944, in McKeesport, Pa., died April 15, 2018, in Richmond, Virginia. He is survived by his wife, Deborah Cowger Seitz, whom he started dating in 1987, when he accepted her offer of a fifth of liquor in exchange for a pint of blood for the ABC blood drive. The rest is a beautiful love story. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Isabel Seitz; his brother, Robert Seitz; and uncle, David Wood. He is survived by his 105-year-old aunt, Dottie Wood; his sister, Elener Rotan and her husband, martini partner and brother from another mother, Sam; his daughter, Carey Seitz Leahey, her husband, Bart, and grandchildren, Reagan and Barton; daughter, Jamie Moore Malbone and grandson, Cullen. Dave is also survived by nieces, nephews, their spouses and children, who are Sarah, Jeff and Mazie Sedlack, David, Jill and Amber Kropp, Chris, Doug, Michael, Melanie, Steven and Kelley Miles, Robin, Joanne, Haley and Rebecca Seitz. Additionally, Dave is survived by his brother-in-law, Dabney Cowger and his wife, Cathy; and best friend, Dave Norton and wife, Debra. Retired as a U.S. Air Force JAG, Lt. Colonel Seitz graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Pa., with a Bachelor of Arts in History, studied at University of Kent at Canterbury, England and earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond T.C. Williams Law School. His working career included data processing for Bank of Virginia and VEPCO (Dominion Energy), serving as assistant staff judge advocate for the U.S. Air Force, and teaching real estate classes for Bowers, Nelms, Fonville (Long & Foster). Dave practiced real estate law with Pearce and Associates and worked as Properties and Facilities Coordinator for the Department of General Services and as Assistant Attorney General for the Virginia Department of Commerce (DPOR). At the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, he served as Director of Real Estate, Deputy Director for Retail Sales and Distribution, and Deputy Director for Regulation/Law Enforcement. A change of administrations gave Dave the opportunity to work for the City of Richmond as Director of Procurement, Senior City Attorney, and before retiring, the Acting City Attorney. Dave, affectionately known as "Poppa" after the arrival of grandchildren, loved his family, his landscaped and manicured yard, a clutter-free home, Spiders football, basketball and baseball, sitting on the beach or anywhere with a good book, a challenging round of golf, crosswords, computer Solitaire, FreeCell and Hearts, fine dining, fine wine, a very cold, very dry, straight up gin martini, a well-garnished gin Bloody Mary, and a great scotch with the perfect cigar. Dave was at his best when planning and preparing an indoor dining experience or an outdoor BBQ. He loved his grills and smokers. When asked, "Is there anything I can do to help in the kitchen?" he'd reply, "Yes, get the hell out of my kitchen!" Dave was a man of few words, but the words he spoke mattered and were valued by those hearing them. Dave's "love you," pat on your head, and the always, "be careful" were not mere habits, but expressions of love. A special thank you to Dr. Richard Gergoudis and his staff, Dr. Sri Kunaparaju, Anthony, Carly, Sarah and Irene at Richmond Nephrology, the compassionate nursing staff at St. Mary's, Linda and Becky at Totally You, Dr. Jed Vanichkachorn and his staff, and all the kind souls we have met on this journey. Visitation will be on April 25, 2018, from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m., with a memorial service on April 26, 2018, at 11 a.m., at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 North Parham Road, Richmond, Va. 23229. In Dave's honor, toast a gin martini and smoke a fine cigar. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, please consider the School of Law or the athletic program at the University of Richmond, 28 Westhampton Way, Richmond, Va. 23173. We love you, Poppa.