David C. Prosperi Jr.

1922 - 2014

David "Dave" C. Prosperi, Jr., of Corpus Christi, Texas, died on September 9, 2014, at the age of 92. Dave was born in Philadelphia, PA, on April 26, 1922, but grew up in Brooklyn, NY. A World War II veteran and Bronze Star Recipient, Dave was especially proud of his service in The Big Red One, the First Infantry Division of the United States Army. One of his favorite memories from his service was standing guard at the Eiffel Tower in Post-War Paris. Dave returned to Staten Island, New York, and had a long career with Pitney Bowes that helped to make him quite the handyman around the house. Upon his retirement he moved to Haverford, PA, and then eventually on to Hershey's Mill in West Chester, PA. Dave had a love of good food and good drink and he enjoyed sharing that love with his family. Some of his favorites included escargot, oysters on the half shell, and osso buco, accompanied by a Vodka Negroni. Dave was an avid roller skater, skating regularly into his late 80's, and travelled around the Philadelphia area to skating events. It was through his skating that he met and fell in love with his wife Mary, whom he welcomed each morning and closed each night with by saying "I love you." Dave also loved watching the old black & white western movies and television shows, along with virtually any sporting event he could find. He enjoyed discussing politics and was an ardent Republican. Despite being a nonagenarian, Dave kept up with modern technology; he regularly used Skype, played games and completed crossword puzzles on his iPad, and emailed with friends and family. He thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent in his adopted home of Texas the last two years, most notably Wurstfest in New Braunfels, indulging in the plethora of fresh seafood in South Texas, and his unique way of ordering a cold Shiner Bock. He surprised even himself by allowing their rescued dog, Maddie, to have her choice of chair or bed in which to lay. Dave is survived by his beloved and devoted wife, Mary L.; his children Diane LaRue (John), Patricia Orose (Richard), and Leo Leonetti (Margie); his grandchildren Christopher, Jamie, Jenifer, John, Jonathan, Leo, Mark, and Richard; six great-grandchildren; and his sister, Connie LaBargo. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Alma Rose Cosentino Prosperi; his son, David C. Prosperi, III; and siblings Harry, Del, Billy, and Emma. Donations in his memory are gratefully requested for PeeWees, 1307 Saratoga, Corpus Christi, TX 78417, www.peeweespets.com or Mission 911, 911 Park Avenue, Corpus Christi, TX 78401, ccmission911.org