David Michael Colling Sr. was born on January 4, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, to Peter and Mary Colling. He passed away surrounded by the love of his family, leaving behind a lifetime of memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Ginger; sons David Jr. (Christine) and James (Jean); grandchildren Daniel (Farrah), Katie (Mason), Isabel, Allison, and Elizabeth; and great-grandchildren Nolan and Aya. He was preceded in death by his son, Daniel.
David was born and raised in Detroit alongside his siblings Mary Catherine Shamo, Patty Hoeffel (Tony), and Dennis. He was preceded in death by his brothers Fred (Pat) and Pete (Cecelia).
David was a hard worker from his early teen years as a newsboy through his retirement from the phone company. He was a man of deep faith who loved his family and friends dearly. After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending family gatherings, gardening, cheering on his Tigers and Lions, watching Little League and the World Series, and enjoying a good book.
David graduated from St. Catherine’s in Detroit in 1964. He loved playing football, basketball, and baseball and served as an altar boy for most of his twelve years there. It was also where David met Ginger, the love of his life.
During his senior year, David became captain of the football team and crowned Ginger his Prom Queen—a beginning to a true love story. They continued dating throughout high school, and their love grew into a marriage that would span nearly 60 years.
David was drafted into the Army in 1965 and spent most of his military service in Alaska at Fort Wainwright in Fairbanks. He and Ginger were married on September 9, 1966, while David was home on leave. He completed his tour during the Vietnam War as a Sergeant, E-5.
Their first son, David, was born in Alaska, while their sons Jim and Daniel were born in Detroit. After his discharge from the Army, David’s first job was at Wrigley Supermarket. In 1968, he began working for Michigan Bell Telephone Company as a lineman. Thirty years later, he retired as a Repair Supervisor.
David’s greatest joy was his family. He took pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow and treasured the time they spent together. His faith, hard work, sense of devotion, and love for those around him will be remembered by generations of his family.
Ginger and David would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this September. Their story began as two high school sweethearts and continued throughout a lifetime of love, family, and shared memories.
David will be deeply missed and forever loved.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 3, from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a rosary at 6:30 pm, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, in Warren. Instate will be held the following day, Friday, September 4, from 9:30 am until the time of the funeral at 10:00 am, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Capuchin Soup Kitchen
1820 Mt. Elliott St.
Detroit, MI 48207
or
Hospice of Michigan
3011 W. Grand Blvd., #301
Detroit, MI 48202
