Frank David DeNunzio

Dr. F. David DeNunzio, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed in the company of his loving and admiring family on June 24, 2026. He was 89 years old, born on April 5,1937 in Inglewood, Calif. to Frank and Katherine DeNunzio. He is preceded in death by his parents as well as his only sibling, Mary Ann Schulz.

David grew up in Inglewood, a proud student and member of several championship basketball teams at Mt. Carmel High School in Los Angeles. He continued his studies at Loyola Marymount University before earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree at St. Louis University in 1962 (Cum Laude). Upon graduation, he served in the United States Navy for two years in the Naval Dental Corps, stationed at Camp Pendleton, Calif. He then established his private dental practice in Orange, Calif., retiring in 2007. He was a member of the California Dental Association, Orange County Dental Association and the Newport Harbor Academy of Dentistry.

David was a proud American yet also passionately considerate of his Italian roots, so much so he was honored by the Orange County American Italian Renaissance Foundation with its Heritage Award in 1998. The award is “bestowed only to individuals of Italian ancestry who have distinguished themselves as significant role models in all aspects of their lives and who have fulfilled the realization of the American Dream for the betterment of the community.”

A respected dentist and businessman, he taught his family the value of education, hard work—and a good laugh. He will be remembered for his wisdom, larger-than-life personality and his love of family and faith in Christ. His presence in this world will be greatly missed as he had a positive influence on many people, be it at work, at church or at home.

He is survived by his wife, Robin DeNunzio, with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, and the children of their blended family: Erin Sladek (Tod), Brad Lucente, Michele Dougherty (Jeff), Angela Zepeda Diaz (Rafael), F. David DeNunzio, Jr. (Caroline) and Jennifer Fontenot as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Megan Quental (Grant; children Edison and Stella), Jack and Judy Lucente, Emma and Sean Dougherty, Chanel and Azariah Diaz, F. David III and Dominick DeNunzio, and Tate and Cole Fredlow. His family will carry his memory forward through the lessons, stories and the love and leadership he provided so generously.

David was married to his first wife, Audrey (Hadnagy) DeNunzio, from 1960-1972. Although the marriage ended in divorce, David often praised Audrey for her excellent job in raising their four children. Audrey passed away in 2011.

David will be laid to rest in a private gravesite service with family on July 14, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana, Calif.

Family, friends and all those who loved him are invited to a celebration of David’s life on July 17, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at The Villa, 510 E. Katella Avenue, Orange, Calif.

Please RSVP to: Angela Zepeda

[email protected] or text (310) 613-9966