Name: Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park
Address: Fort Myers, FL

John David Retallick Jr., passed away on April 22, 2012 in Ft. Myers, FL.  Known to most as David, he was born on September 10, 1949 in Pittsfield, MA.  His wife, Amphon Noijular, and three children survive David: Summer Ann of Gladstone, OR, John of Ashland, OR and Bret of Edinburgh, Scotland.  His sister, Darlene and brother-in-law, Robert Gwozdz of Port Orchard, WA, also survive him.

The son of Marjorie and John Retallick, David grew up in Pittsfield Massachusetts where he attended Lenox Preparatory School for Boys. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1971 with a BS in Finance and SUNY, Albany with an MBA in Finance.

When it came to negotiating, David was a tough SOB. He was the ultimate businessman acquiring knowledge from the corporate and entrepreneurial world. He began his 32-year career with Ford Credit in Dearborn, MI and soon promoted, moved to Dallas, TX.  In Dallas, he opened the famous David's Bar & Grill, which was a hit. In 1987, he took a job for Ingersoll Rand Financial in PA. His final move was to Textron Financial as President of Systran in Lake Oswego, OR. 

In 2005, David decided to retire and give up his black belt in equipment financing. He moved to Fort Myers, FL where he spent the majority of his time golfing, reading and following his beloved New York Giants and Boston Red Sox. His love of travel took him to five continents with his next trip planned for South America.  David also achieved his life-long goal of publishing a book; “The Need For A Third Political Party.”  Devoting his time and effort to whatever the hell you do in Florida, David became a master of relaxing (MOR). He currently holds this title. 

David was a friend to many, a father to some, and a mentor to even more.   He was respected, loved and will be deeply missed.  David will always be remembered as the ultimate negotiator who worked hard, but played harder. With famous quotes as “everything's negotiable,” or “Alabama Tequila slammer” he lived his life to the fullest. Have one for us Dave…

David was my boss for eight years at Textron Financial. He was by far the best leader I ever had. He not only led us in business, but he led as people with a respect for each and everyone of us you just do not find these days. David was down to earth and knew when it was time to be serious and time to play. He always told us to work hard and play hard. David and his entire family made an impact on my life that I will never forget! My thoughts and prayers are with Cheryl, John, Brett and Summer as they work through the pain of their loss. Rest in Peace David and know that you are missed by many,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.  I will remember David as forever young.  The time I remember him most from is when he and I went to NYC with Bobby when we were in our teens.  We went to the Empire State Building and I remember that we laughed a lot.  I hope that David's life had plenty more laughter.  I hope Dar and his family find comfort in memories and in their family and friends.  We're here for you and we love you.  Maryanne and Tom

We continue to send a message of love and of healing for the entire family of David and all whose hearts and minds he touched.  We especially want to give an embrace of love to his sons John and Brett and to his daughter Summer.  We also want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to his beloved sister Darlene, his brother-in-law Bob, and his neice Kiersten and her family of husband Pat, sons Sean, Matthew and Ryan and to his nephew Robbie and his wife Kate.  We are sending a second candle in David's memory.  Love, Elaine and Gordon

I was stunned to hear the news about David...as "lacrosse dads" we tried to help the L.O. team and encourage our sons.  We travelled together on trips around Seattle and down to California (Sonoma area).  I had not seen David in a few years, but can easily remember his great sounding laugh.  He will be missed.  I hope all three children are doing ok under the circumstances.

If I had a glass of wine in hand now I'd send a cheers to David, "we are thinking of you buddy."

Although we did not know David personally and only met with him and his family about four times in our fifty years of marriage, we knew how much he was loved by his sweet sister, Darlene.  Darlene often spoke of David and all of his accomplishments, which were awesome.  
When we were with David and his family at the wedding of his nephew Robbie to Kate, we could feel the love that he had for his own two sons, his daughter and his wife.  We also felt the strong bonds of family love for sister Darlene, her husband Bob and neice Kiersten and her husband Pat and their three children.
David contributed so much to making this a better world for all.  His children have felt his love and pride for them and they will  carry on his legacy.
We are family, in that Darlene is our sister in law.  We love all of you and are here for you in everyway and anyway that you may need us.
God Bless you all and may you have the strength to carry on.  It is a sad time for everyone, especially when a person passes away at such a young life.  Elaine and Gordon Rondeau

My family and I were extremely shocked and saddened to hear of Dave's sudden death. He was such a lively, fun-loving person, it's impossible to believe that he's gone.  I'm so grateful that he retired early and enjoyed these last few years doing what he loved - playing golf and traveling.  He was so very happy in his new Florida home taking advantage of the leisure time he truly deserved.
     My deepest sympathy to Dar and Bob and his children.  Your love and support, particularly in the last couple of years, meant everything to him.
     May he find peace.

Nora Mahan

When we last talked I was so glad to hear the happiness in your voice about how things in your life were going.  For the many years we knew each other, you were a great boss, mentor and friend.  I can't tell you how many times I bring your name up in conversation recalling the many lessons learned.  The fact that I can't reach out from time to time and talk to you makes me very sad.   I take solace in knowing that you lived a great life and had a profound and positive effect on mine.  May you rest in peace.
 
Thank you for being my friend
 
Peter James

Dave was my college roommate and closest friend at UMass for four years.  I have many memories of unbelievable experiences during that time. We lost touch for a while and fortunately we reconnected.  We had many long conversations about life and the Red Sox over the past few years. Also had the opportunity to attend a Sox game with Dave, his son, and me and my son. I will always remember that.  I am still in shock, and I will miss J. David greatly.  My sincere condolences to his family.  He was great friend.

Eliot Hartstone (West Hartford, CT)

There are so many to share, David was my mentor when we worked together at Concord Commercial Corp. He introduced me to the "Alabama (Tequila) Slammer" at one of our many company parties at his home in Chester Springs. David lived life to the fullest and enjoyed himself in all he did. He taught me to value my knowledge and abilities and never under estimate myself.  My sympathies to his family, I will continue to always remember all the good times.  - Barbb "Jack" Watton (David always said my name should be "Jack")

OBITUARY

John David Retallick

September 10, 1949 – April 22, 2012

Hodges Funeral Home at Lee Memorial Park

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