David F. Devoto

1931 - 2024

David F. Devoto
December 12, 1931 - September 18, 2024
David F. Devoto passed away peacefully on the morning of September 18th, surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born in San Francisco on December 12th, 1931, and grew up in Santa Rosa, where he attended Santa Rosa High School and SRJC. He graduated from SRJC in 1950 and was a member of the state championship football team, setting a scoring record that stood for 50 years. He was inducted into the SRJC hall of fame in 2004. He completed his education at College of the Pacific and San Francisco State.
In the 1960s David became involved in Petaluma's Wristwrestling Championship. He was responsible for bringing national attention to Petaluma and the sport through coverage on ABC's Wide World of Sports and ESPN, and an appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. He travelled the world promoting the sport of Armwrestling and staging tournaments. His impact on the sport remains significant.
He also travelled to other countries in his position as International Vice President of the community service club Active 20-30 International.
He loved technology, and even in his final days, he was discussing generative AI with his family.
David was predeceased by Dorothy Dashwander, the mother of his five children, his daughter Kathy Devoto, and his partner of over 35 years, Patricia Violetti.
He is survived by his four children Dave Devoto, Jim Devoto, Vic Devoto, and Sue Devoto, ten grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
David, known as Dave, DaeDae, Oompa, and Grandpa, will live on in our hearts and memories.
There will be no services. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.