David George Carver

1942 - 2022

October 17, 1942 - January 15, 2022 It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of David George Carver. A two-time lung cancer survivor, Dave fought a courageous battle, long defying expectations. He passed away suddenly at the age of 79 on January 15, 2022 at home in Long Beach, CA. Dave was born to George and Elaine Carver on October 17, 1942 in Bath, New York. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rita Doyle Carver; son David Carver II. of Long Beach; daughter Merritt Carver and son-in-law Eric Yingling of San Diego; son Casey Carver, daughter-in-law Sarah Fones, and grandson Jack Orlando Carver of Los Angeles; and sister-in-law Kathie Carver, wife of brother Glenn Carver, predeceased. Dave was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend who adored his family and community. Raised in Lakewood, California, Dave graduated from Lakewood High School in 1960, lettering in gymnastics and serving as student body president. Dave enrolled at California State University, Long Beach in 1961, becoming a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and graduating in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in English. Working through high school and college in Lakewood at Bob Adams Men's Store, Dave forged a life-long friendship with owners Bob and Virginia Adams. He supplemented his income at night, singing in a rock 'n' roll band with his best friend, Kent Heyl, on drums. Dave enlisted in the Navy and became a junior officer on the destroyer USS Blue DD744 during the Vietnam conflict. He met his wife Rita in 1966 in San Diego, marrying shortly thereafter before deploying to Japan. After returning from duty, Dave became a successful and industrious business proprietor, working with Mass Mutual Insurance. He remained in the industry right up until his passing. Dave told his family many times that he was "going down with his boots on"which he did. Dave indulged his love of golf as a member of Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach and stayed a long-standing member of the Long Beach Gyros, where he was also a past president. Passionate about helping others, Dave was known for his generous philanthropic efforts in the city of Long Beach, always giving to various foundations with a focus on the healthcare community. Dave served on various boards, committees, and advisory groups, including at Long Beach Memorial Hospital, where he served as a chairman and remaining board member until his passing. He was also president of the board of directors of TCC Family Health for multiple years and became chairman of its advisory board as a long-term supporter. Dave was well known in the Long Beach community for throwing one of the best rock 'n' roll parties of the year on the Queen Mary as the singer and harmonica player for The Boys in the Band, made up of local pals Tom and Dennis David, Gary Pound, Bob Crabb, and Kent Heyl. The Boys in the Band performed annually for 20 years (19802000) on the Queen Mary and once under the wingspan of the Spruce Goose, where they drew crowds of over 2,000 people. Dave will be deeply missed by so many. A private family funeral will be held, and a celebration of life ceremony will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to one of the charities Dave loved: The Bucket List Project Foundation (bucketlistfoundation.org) and The Children's Clinic (tccfamilyhealth.org) dba TCC Family Health. Donations may also be sent to: TCC Family Health, 701 E. 28th Street, Suite 200, Long Beach, CA 90806 Attention: Elisa Nicholas, MD, MSPH