Dave was a Gentleman in every sense of the word. Respectful to all he came in contact with. He would
generously offer his help to those in need. He was a master at his trade of Steeple Jack. A unique and
rare trade these days. He worked hard his whole life. He was well known and respected among those in
his industry on Long Island from Montauk to Manhattan through his fifty years of dedication to his
trade. Many of the flags, flag poles, and cell phone towers that you see across Long Island were erected
by Dave.
Dave was a family man raising three daughters, Gail, Donna and Margaret along with his wife of many
years. They lived in Holtsville in a house with a large span of property where they were able to have
horses for their daughter to enjoy.
When he and his wife separated, Dave subsequently created a new life. He met and spent time with his
longtime girlfriend, Dawn Fernandez. Dawns sons Dwayne and Mark learned the climbing trade with
Dave and worked with him for several years. Eventually they went to work for another company. One
fateful day, while climbing, Dwayne’s safety harness failed and he fell to his death. Although Dave
wasn’t responsible in anyway, it never left his mind and wished some how he could have changed
things. Dave himself many years previously, had an eighty foot fall and survived!.
Dave continued to work in the trade he knew and loved even into his senior years. He was loved an
appreciated by many and he will be missed.
Family of Dawn Fernandez. Daughter Gail Midgette and Sister of Dawn, Chickie