David C. Dwinell

David C. Dwinell, 76, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19th, 2026 following a challenging battle with a rare disease, Paraneoplastic Syndrome.

Dave was born May 19, 1949, to Harold G. and Bernice C. Dwinell, in Millbury, Massachusetts. Where he grew up alongside his dear brother, Gary T. Dwinell.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Valerie Dwinell; three stepsons, Derek Schmidt, Aaron Schmidt, and Justin Schmidt; their wives, Anna, Kristina, and Niña; and his beloved grandchildren—Ava, Angelica, Ethan, Julian, Natalia, and Mila.

He was educated at Assumption School in Millbury, Massachusetts, Holy Names High School in Worcester, Massachusetts, and John Carroll University in Cleveland, Ohio.

Dave lived a remarkably full life. For over 32 years, he worked as a professional wrestling referee, officiating thousands of matches at legendary venues like Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Coliseum, working alongside icons such as Hulk Hogan, Andre the Giant, and the Iron Sheik. His contributions to the sport were recognized with induction into three wrestling Halls of Fame. In recent years, he shared these experiences in his acclaimed book, Ringman.

Alongside his wrestling career, Dave built a successful career in finance, running one of the largest tax offices in New York State, located in Westchester County, for 23 years, handling tax revenue of up to half a billion dollars annually.

Following his retirement, Dave and Valerie moved to the Catskill Mountains, where Dave continued his love of music by forming Jazz bands with local artists. He remained active in the community by volunteering his time as Treasurer for the Greene County Democratic Committee. Dave loved traveling with his wife, often taking day trips into New England. He especially cherished time spent with his grandchildren, whether sitting around a campfire making smores or enjoying the summer sun at Zoom Flume waterpark. He said these years were the best of his life, because he was surrounded by the love of family and friends.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 16th at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, followed by inurnment at St. Brigid’s Cemetery in Millbury, Massachusetts.

Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life gathering in New York, to be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the following:

-The National Organization for Rare Disorders
-Community Hospice - Columbia & Greene Counties