Dave Gretten, 78, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2020. Dave was born on July 6, 1941 in Mansfield, OH. Dave joined the United States Navy in 1959 and retired as Senior Chiefs Machinist Mate after 20 years of dedicated service to our country. He was proud of his time in the Navy and spoke of it often.
Dave met the love of his life, Florence, in Newport News, VA in 1980, and with Florence, moved to Naples, FL in 1981. Dave began working at the city of Naples Wastewater Treatment Plant in 1982, where he became known as “Dumpster Dave” for all of the good things he rescued from the trash and passed on to whoever needed it. Dumpster Dave and Florence discovered that, indeed, one man’s trash really is another man’s treasure. They loved helping out those in need. Unfortunately, Florence passed away in 1995 and Dave lost his way briefly until he met another Navy Vet named Mike. Dave retired once again, this time as a Plant Operator, from the City of Naples in 1997. Dave and Mike stayed busy scrapping, cutting grass, and doing odd jobs together. After Mike passed away suddenly, Dave slowed down, but remained active playing Bingo at the VFW and American Legion.
Dave fought with heart problems in the last years of his life, but still retained his positive attitude and generous nature. If Dumpster Dave had something that you needed, you were welcome to it, no charge, ever.
Dave is preceded in death by his love, Florence, father, John Francis Gretten, mother, Mary Reed, son, John David Gretten, grandson, Cody Anthony Winkler, and brothers Tom Ogden and Robert Ogden. He is survived by his children Carole Knopp (David), Deborah Adams (Mark), David Gretten (Melissa), 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren (with one on the way), and Florence’s three children, Leonard Waltemath, Lorrene Polaski, and Jim Waltemath, who was also Dave's life-long friend.
All who knew Dumpster Dave are saddened by his departure.
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