David Andrew Raimondi

David (Dave) Raimondi, with his loving family by his side, passed away quietly on March 27, 2025, after suffering a heart attack. Dave was the most loving husband and father, but beyond the joy he brought to his family, he was a mentor to many - sharing his love of rocket science by teaching patience, creativity, and inspiring folks to learn more and pass it on.

Dave was born in Dayton, Ohio at Wright Patterson Airforce Base on March 29, 1961, to Ennio Joseph Raimondi and Joan Therese Erickson. He and his younger brother spent many hours outdoors and ribbing each other, calling each other “Hairball” (Dave) and “Dirtbag” (Matthew). David loved to build model planes, rockets, and kites - anything that could fly. He later graduated from Wright State University with a degree in Computer Science Engineering. He was recruited to Lockheed Space Systems (now Lockheed Martin), fulfilling his dream of living somewhere west of Denver, Co. Dave excelled at his job, leaving only briefly for a couple of years before returning back to Lockheed.

He met his wife Laura on a blind date – “Dave took me to San Francisco, which was a long car ride from South San Jose, a bit risky if we had nothing to say to each other. By the end of the night, I told my roommate he was someone I could fall in love with. Dave is my very best day – bringing humor, joy, kindness, and love to all our days.”

Dave and Laura married on November 7, 1992, after a wonderful two years together where they taught each other the value of friendship, love, passion, and joy. Dave shared his biking, hiking, photography, and passion for Yosemite with Laura, and she shared her joys in quieter pursuits of music, reading, and the beach. Together they learned to try new things (even rock climbing – a pursuit that David always loved, and Laura feared).

Their biggest adventure was parenthood that began when their wonderful first son, Steven, was born 11 months later. Dave was worried about being a good father, but he fell in love with Steven immediately, often stealing him out of his crib to sleep with his parents. When Christopher came along a few years later, Dave dubbed him “Mr. Smiles” for his spirit and how he made our family complete. Dave spent many years coaching the boys in T-ball, soccer, and hockey, working early hours so he could be home in time to coach and cheer his boys. Whether it was sports, music or just plain fun, he wanted to be a part of it.

Throughout their marriage, Dave loved to backpack and in addition to being in the wilderness with his family, he trekked and climbed with many wonderful friends. Dave always had his camera with him to document the amazing views and treasures of mother nature. As he grew older and was backpacking less, he still carried his camera to more local spots of beauty with friends to capture those perfect moments.

When Steven was about 8yrs old, and Christopher 4yrs old, Dave took the family to a model rocketry event at Lockheed. While Steven wasn’t enthusiastic, Christopher was thrilled about the idea of flying. We joined the Livermore Unit of the National Association of Rocketry (LUNAR), and spent many years making, painting, and flying rockets as a family. Dave was happy to help anyone that needed guidance, and soon became the club President. His outreach to scouts, 4-H clubs, middle school, high school, and college teams helped make LUNAR famous for helping kids. As our children found new pursuits, Dave continued to fly and mentor hundreds of students & adults. He prided himself on emphasizing the journey and knowledge gained by the hobby of rocketry. He was part of several other rocket organizations including Tripoli Central California (TCC) and the Association of Experimental Rocketry of the Pacific (AeroPAC). Flying in the Black Rock desert several times a year was pure bliss for Dave. His favorite launch was the ARLISS launch each September where students from around the world brought Canister Satellite projects to the desert for rocketeers like Dave to fly. His pride in helping those students was contagious and the memories created in the desert will be with us always.

Several years ago, Dave was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), a degenerative condition that affected his ability to use and understand language, along with some cognitive issues. Dave approached his illness with humorous and quiet strength, making the most of his time with family and friends. Dave volunteered for several clinical trials for PPA believing that his purpose was to help future generations find new ways to cure & prevent PPA.

Dave was a devoted husband and best friend to Laura for 32 years, sharing the joy of raising their sons, Steven and Christopher. Other family members include his Father, Ennio Raimondi; Sister-in-law, Pamela Raimondi; Sister-in-law Kristy (Joe) Foraker; Brother-in-law, Brian (Karen) Sieverson; Mother-in-law, Lynn Sieverson); Nephew, Eric Raimondi; Niece Amanda (Jason) King and family, Niece;, Meghan Erwin and family; Aunt Lea Woodrum; Uncle Jon (Marilyn) Erickson; Uncle Robert Normant; several cousins and the many, many friends and rocketeers that loved him.

Dave is preceded in death by Mother, Joan Raimondi; Brother, Matthew Raimondi; Father-in-law, Theodore (Ted) Sieverson, Uncle Larry Woodrum; Aunt Jackie Shevokas; and Aunt Jeannie Normant.

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