David Joel Civello

Aug. 20, 1983 - June 28, 2006 During the early morning hours Wednesday, the Earth surrendered the beloved soul of 22-year-old David Joel "D.J." Civello to, "--rest between God's shoulders." Deut. 33:12. D.J. passed away instantly, following an accident on his motorcycle shortly after midnight, when he ran into the rear of a parked pickup truck in Downtown Bakersfield. He was known, loved, and admired for his compassion toward others, his intelligent, often playful, sense of humor and his warm, gentle nature. His mother, Karla Ayon , said he was a determined problem solver and nicknamed him "Mr. Logic" when he was but two-years old. "D.J. would never concede defeat to any problem, no matter how complicated it was. He is my beloved sunshine." D.J.'s younger sister, Brittany Civello, explained, "Even when he was a little boy, he would take things apart, whether or not they were broken, he'd do his best to try to reassemble them." D.J. was extremely protective of Brittany throughout his stay on Earth. He had a great love of people and animals. His favorite were eagles, which he embraced for their symbolism as a free spirit. He was also a free spirit with a great sense of adventure and independence. D.J. had a lifelong passion for working on nearly anything mechanical, which led to his career choice to become an automotive mechanic. He had been working as a diesel mechanic for Myer's Diesel Repair in Bakersfield, at the time of his premature departure. His father, David Civello, said, "He got kicked out of his sixth-grade math club b ecause he refused to write out the problems. He preferred to work them out in his head. He was very proud of his abilities as a diesel mechanic. I showed him a little and he learned the rest on his own." D.J. also had a great appetite for food. He loved to eat and cook. He always liked manning the grill at barbecues because he got to eat first. D.J. is survived by his parents, Karla Ayon and David Civello; stepmother, Cheryl Civello; stepfather, Lee Ayon; sisters, Brittany and Rylee; little brother, Ch ristian; and his grandparents, Robert and Val Rescola, Mary and Daniel Widen and grandmother, Mary Civello. He leaves behind many adoring aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as friends too numerous to count. He was so close with his cousins, they loved each other more than many brothers and sisters would. D.J. had far too many positive qualities to list, but among them were his devotion to family, a deep love for the Lord, his ability to make others laugh and feel good, his optimism and his tremendous hone sty and forthrightness. He loved the laughter of children, music and comedy, and eagerness to help anybody in need. He was polite, caring and generous with his love of family and friends. One of his proudest moments was, when he finished helping his dad restore a 1932 Highboy Roadster. His father said, "When I let him take it out and drive it by himself, he came back with an ear-to-ear grin, so proud he had done it himself." A memorial service will be conducted by Peters Funeral Home at Westside Family Fellowship at 2150 Palm Ave. in Wasco on Wednesday at 10 a.m. Following the service, a graveside service will be held at Shafter Cemetery, followed by a reception at Westside Family Fellowship. D.J.'s parents have asked that, in lieu of flowers or gifts, donations be made to a benevolent fund set up for him. Donations may be made at any Washington Mutual Bank in the name of "David Joel Civello." Karla said he went to Heaven to join his Grandpa Johnny (Civello) and his great-grandparents. "They will tak e care of him now. Until then--Deuteronomy 33:12." David said D.J.'s death will leave an enormous void in his life, and in the lives of the many people who knew and loved him.