David was born December 29, 1945, to Ella May and Karl Riesterer in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1967 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. David earned his Wings of Gold at the Naval Aviation Training Center Pensacola, Florida and in 1969 was assigned to fly Combat Helicopter Missions with HMM-364, the Purple Foxes, at Marble Mountain Air Facility, Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and became a Flight Instructor and Standardization Pilot at NAS Whiting Field flying T-28 aircraft. David was honorably discharged from the USMC in 1973, and started a new career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller in Hilliard, Florida. During his 27 year career with the FAA, David earned the position of Area Supervisor and retired in 2000.
David was a member of Rotary Sunrise in Orange Park and New Grace Church on Fleming Island. David is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda, and his daughter, Dr. Kelly (Christian) Groth. His first grandchild is due in July. Other survivors include his brother, Karl (Elaine) Riesterer, his sister, Susan (Anthony) Golden and his nieces, JoEllen Click and Kelly Golden, and his nephews, Clifton and Bradley Golden.
The memorial service to celebrate David's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 22, 2013, at New Grace Church, 5804 Highway 17, Fleming Island, Florida 32003. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated for Community Hospice of Northeast Florida (4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257) and Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise Charities (Tel. 904-635-5701). HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park, FL 32073 in charge of arrangements. Post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com
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