David graduated from SUNY Brockport where he met his wife of 45 years, Eileen Sabasteanski Heather. They lived in Barrington, NH before moving to Orlando, Florida where their only child Alison, was born. He worked for an environmental engineering firm there before he was transferred to Gainesville, Florida he worked at the University of Florida in the facilities department until he retired in 2014. In 2019, David and Eileen moved to be near their grandchildren in Jacksonville, Florida. "PopPop", as he was affectionately known, loved his grandkids to pieces and enjoyed playing video games with them, spoiling them with treats, teaching them about birds and butterflies in the backyard, and laughing at their silliness. He enjoyed traveling and visiting friends and family afar. He knew the art of small talk and a good-deal. His hearty laugh and big smile will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Eileen; daughter, Alison O'Donoughue; son-in-law Patrick O'Donoughue; three grandchildren Henry, Evan, and Clara and sister Cindy Heather. Those who preceded him in death include his father, George; mother, Marie; and brothers Jack, Don, and Ray.
His family would like to thank the staff at St. Vincent's Riverside for their care and compassion.
A funeral mass for David will be held at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 2609 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204. Following the funeral mass, a committal service will be held at Hardage-Giddens Holly Hill Memorial Park, 3601 Old Jennings Road, Middleburg, FL 32068. A celebration of life will be held in the coming year when COVID restrictions allow a bigger gathering.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the Heather family. The family asks that in David's memory, please send someone a comic or share with them a silly joke to make them smile.
