DAVID J. "DAVE" ZAVAL Sr.

1928 - 2015

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - Devoted Father and Husband David J. "Dave" Zaval, Sr., age 86, passed away on Tuesday, January 13, 2015 with his family by his side. A resident of Arlington Heights, Illinois since 1983, Dave was born June 23, 1928 in Chicago, Illinois to Mary and James Zavadlov. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend who enjoyed the simple pleasures of life. He cherished time lovingly inspiring and teaching his children and grandchildren, especially about his many passions including photography, gardening, fishing, camping, nature, ornithology, investing, cooking and playing the harmonica. Dave will always be remembered for the sparkle in his eyes, his gentle patience, his sense of humor and easy, positive outlook on life. His wife said, "He was the kindest man I ever knew." Dave was a dedicated worker beginning his career at the age of 12 helping his father with the family business. He devoted many years of service in the manufacturing industry as a sales/purchasing specialist in fasteners, and was employed for many years by Keen Fastening Systems in Elk Grove Village, Illinois and Universal Screw Company. Dedicated to his country, he also served six years in the National Guard achieving the rank of Sergeant. Dave is survived by his wife, Carol J. Zaval of 32 years, his three children, David (Marianne) Zaval Jr., Diane Laspisa, Nancy (Paul) Reynolds and his grandchildren Natalie, Geena, Christine, Daniel, Thomas, Brianna, Madison, David, his stepchildren, Cheryl (Michael) Jones, Michael (Bridjet) Fogarty, his 11 stepgrandchildren, three great-stepgrandchildren, his brother Ed (Barb) Zavadlov, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister, Lorrie (Dick) Meiser, granddaughter, Cathryn Laspisa, and stepdaughter, Cathy Aniolowski. A memorial service in his honor will be held on January 31st at 12:00 p.m. at St. James Parish in Arlington Heights, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome at World Wildlife Fund, Inc. https://support.worldwildlife.org or the National Geographic Society https://donate.nationalgeographic.org/Page.aspx*pid=184.