David F. Defelice

SOUTHBURY – David Francis DeFelice, 79, of Southbury passed to his heavenly home on April 3, 2024.  He was the beloved husband of Laura (Hissey) DeFelice to whom he was married for 36 years.  David was born on December 16, 1944, in Norwalk, son of the late David John DeFelice and Josephine (Gagliola) DeFelice.

  He grew up in Stratford where he graduated from Bunnell High School and later graduated from Norwalk State Technical Institute with an associate degree in chemical engineering.  He was employed by Power Pack in Bridgeport in quality control for several years.  Dave then served in the U.S. Navy for 4 years and was stationed in Philadelphia during the Vietnam era where he tested catapult and arresting gear for the U.S. Seventh Fleet aircraft carrier ships. After his time in the service, he returned to start his own business “H-D Engines” in Bridgeport, where he performed innovative and custom mechanical work on Harley Davidson motorcycles for many years.

Although Dave sustained a spinal cord injury many years ago, he did not allow his disability to stop him from living a full and satisfying life.  He enjoyed painting and was a very talented artist. He liked to attend NHRA Drag Races and classic car shows.  He loved his family and friends with all his heart.  Because of his deep love for his Lord Jesus, he was very involved in the Full Gospel Businessmen Fellowship, Prison Ministry in Ocala, FL, Prayer Ministries, teaching Bible Studies and faith based 12 step programs.  He is known for his gift of evangelism and his heartfelt prayers.

Dave will be greatly missed by many.  In addition to his devoted wife, he is survived by brothers Dennis DeFelice of Flourtown, PA, John DeFelice of Downingtown, PA, sisters Judith Bratchell and June Defelice Smith both of Ocala, FL, as well as his in-law family Dr. William and Janet Hissey of Oxford, CT, David and Becky Hissey of Brewster, MA, Alan and Jennifer Campanelli of Naugatuck, CT, Peggy DeFelice of Flourtown, PA, and Raymond Smith of Ocala, FL and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother Frank DeFelice of Bridgeport.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on April 28th at 3:00 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 656 Oxford Road, Oxford, CT.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, by mail to 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY  10306 or online at http://dogood.t2t.org/IMODavidDefelice

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