David Austin Delamater

David Austin Delamater, 83, of Storrs/Mansfield, CT, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 19, 2022, surrounded by his wife and daughters. He was the beloved husband of Joanne White. David was born on July 16, 1939, to Roscoe and Olga (Cantone) Delamater in Lynnfield, MA. His childhood was spent in Littleton, MA and he held dear memories of this time of his life including working at Kimballs Farm. After graduating High School, David enlisted in the Navy in 1958 and served our country for 2 years aboard aircraft carrier USS Valley Forge. In 1960, David began a 35-year career at IBM. He married his first wife, Tracy in 1969 and raised his two daughters in North Reading, MA. After reuniting with Joanne, who was a childhood friend, and retiring from IBM, the adventure-seeking couple hit the open road in 1994 as "Full Time" RVers and explored the far reaches of the USA and beyond for the next 23 years. Their travels took them through all our National Parks, State Parks & Monuments and as far as Alaska, Newfoundland and Labrador. They also toured obscure and little-known places which held unique treasures and experiences. Along the way, Dave and Joanne were known to pop by to visit with family members and countless friends spread far and wide. Family always remained Dave's top priority and his mobile lifestyle provided the perfect opportunity to stay tightly connected to his siblings, children, and grandchildren. A visit from Dave and Joanne always brought laughter and casual fun with it and the chance for us to join in on their adventure for a time. Dave will be remembered for his lighthearted outlook, his genuine smile and true zest for the best parts life. In addition to his wife Joanne, he is survived by his children; daughter, Beth Boulay and husband Todd of Shrewsbury, MA along with their children Adam, Erin and Ryan; Karen Jacob and husband M.J. of Victor, ID along with their children Olivia and Abigail; step-daughter, Kathy Ruggiero and husband Louie of Willington, CT along with their children Charlie, Kyle, and Lou and wife Jessica and great grandsons Louis & Logan; step-son, Jimmy White of East Windsor, CT; brothers, Joseph Delamater and wife Ginger of Winchester, VA, Robert Delamater and wife Millie of Savannah, GA; sisters, Donna Ellis and Nancy Morton both of Winter Haven, FL and Mary Valliere and husband Paul of Melbourne, FL. He is also survived by his many cherished nieces and nephews, as well as a large extended RV full-timer 400 Club community. Dave's ability to find joy in life's simple pleasures was revisited daily with a ritual started by the 400 RV Club: the "4 o'clock" happy hour. We will honor Dave with a final "4 o'clock" toast in his honor and are happy to welcome all who knew Dave to join us for this special tradition on Sunday, December 4th. In person, a Celebration of Life will be held from 3 to 5pm (Eastern Time) at the Glen Ridge community meeting room at 11 Sycamore Drive, Storrs, CT 06268. His countless friends and family across the country, unable to join in person, are invited to join in virtually via this link: https://citypass.zoom.us/j/87648941011?pwd=TlYycEJLaFV2M2VmWW5mL1pBdFpWZz09 Zoom Meeting ID 876 4894 1011 Password 1234 Or simply plan to raise a glass in his honor, wherever you are at 4 o'clock (Eastern Time). In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dave's memory to a charity of your choice. For online condolences please visit www.CremationCT.com