David James DePodesta

David James DePodesta, known to most simply as Dave or DePo, passed away on December 3, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, honesty, service, and stories that will continue to be told for generations. Born on May 31, 1949, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Mario and Jane (Knapp) DePodesta, Dave spent most of his early life in Lincoln Park and Dearborn, where his strong work ethic, sharp wit, and unmistakable personality first began to take shape.
After graduating from Crestwood High School in 1967, Dave enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, was inducted that September and deployed to Vietnam during the Tet Offensive in February 1968. Dave was injured in service to his country and was awarded two Purple Hearts, along with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was medically retired in March 1969. Though he rarely spoke at length about his service, it shaped the resilience, perspective, and deep appreciation for life that defined him.
Following his return home, Dave attended Eastern Michigan University, graduating in 1974 with a Business Admin degree, He went on to build a successful career in the mortgage industry, eventually opening his own mortgage company with a partner before selling it in the early 1980's to Waterfield Mortgage, where he spent the remainder of his career. Dave retired in 2007 after leaving a lasting mark on the mortgage industry throughout Michigan and Indiana—and plenty of colleagues still remember his directness, humor, and ability to get things done.
In 2004, Dave and his wife Nancy followed their hearts north after falling in love with Alaska during a vacation. They built a beautiful home in Ninilchik, where family and friends were always welcome. The deck became Dave's favorite stage, often with an Alaska White in hand, delivering joke after joke—some more inappropriate than others—while the rest of the family laughed until their sides hurt. Entertaining wasn't something Dave did; it was simply who he was.
Retirement, however, proved far too slow for Dave. From 2008 until its closure in 2011, he worked at Lowe's Kenai in the Commercial Division where he quickly became a familiar face. Not long after, he found an unexpected but deeply meaningful calling as a substitute teacher in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, working with children of all ages. To the surprise of many (including his own family), Dave loved it. He cherished the opportunity to help and connect with students who quickly grew to love his straightforward kindness and humor.
Dave also devoted himself to the Kairos Prison Ministry beginning in January 2008, serving faithfully until his death and as chaplain at Wildwood Correctional Center from 2017 through 2024. He taught classes in financial planning and personal finance to men preparing for release, treating each person with dignity and respect. The men appreciated Dave because he spoke to them honestly—no judgment, no pretense—just one person talking to another. Through his involvement with Kairos and his chaplaincy at Wildwood, he was able to share his deep faith in the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ and guide others on their journey to their faith in Jesus. Dave was an active and devoted member of St Peter the Fisherman Ninilchik Community Church. He served a term or 2 as board chair, board member, lay speaker, assisted with sanctuary decor - he had to, Nancy was in charge of that.
Those who knew Dave knew exactly what made him special. He told it like it was. He would let you know if you were being an idiot, and in the very next breath remind you how much you meant to him. He always had a project underway, though the real question was - how many attempts would it take to get it just right. He was quick-witted, endlessly funny, and never at a loss for a joke, no matter the setting.
Dave is survived by his loving wife, Nancy; his children Michael (Dee) Parker, Jennifer (Terry) Macalady, David (Brynn) DePodesta, Danielle (Matt) Endres, Heather McKean, and Kyle McDowell; his grandchildren Jeffrey (Holly) McCrum, Hannah (Will) Belliel, Kelsey McKean (Logan Jones), Michael, Colleen and Katelyn Parker, Keira Endres, Madelyn, Esson, and Luna McDowell, Hunter (Erin) Macalady; two great grandchildren, Riott and Ridge Macalady, and Zoey, his faithful companion. He also leaves behind many friends, extended family members, and countless people whose lives were better for having known him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mario and Jane DePodesta; his brothers and their wives, Richard and Lynette DePodesta and Thomas and Lynne DePodesta; and the best dog in the whole wide world, Dixie.
For those who had the privilege of meeting David DePodesta, you already know—he was truly one of a kind. A man who served his country and his God, loved his family fiercely, helped others without hesitation, became a friend to everyone he met and never missed the chance to make people laugh.
He was, and always will be, the man, the myth, the legend.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for May 30th, 2026 at 10:00am at the Ninilchik Community Center on Kingsley Road. We hope to see you there and would love to hear your favorite Dave story.
Please no flowers, per Dave’s request.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Kairos(h Alaska, P.O. Box 3923, Soldotna, AK 99669 Attn: Twyla Mundy