David Howard Jepsen

David "Dave" Howard Jepsen, 64, of Stratford, CT, also known as "Oscar", "O", "Jeb", "Beautiful", or "Papa J", passed away suddenly on March 14, 2024, after suffering a heart attack in his winter retirement home in Brownsville, TX,
David was predeceased by his father, James Howard Jepsen. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Lauri Jisonna Jepsen, his mother Jean Jepsen, and his sister Laura Bastian (Steve), both of Waterford. David is also survived by his children: Lawrence "LJ" Jepsen, Jennifer Jepsen (Frank Giulietti), Ryan Jepsen (Emily), Sara Jepsen, all of Stratford, and bonus daughter, Ellen Cervone (Thomas) of Watkinsville, Georgia. He will be sorely missed by his in-laws, Lawrence and Barbara Jisonna of Stratford, CT/Brownsville, TX, his sister-in-law Leanne Small (David) of Stratford and his numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
David was born on May 17, 1959, in Bridgeport and raised in Fairfield. He graduated from Roger Ludlowe High School in 1977. During high school, while known as "Oscar", he volunteered for the Southport Fire Department at 16 years old and that's where he found his calling. Being one of the few volunteers at the high school with a driver's license, David was the designated driver for the other high school volunteers who would all pile in his Opel station wagon for fire calls. After graduating, he worked at Hemlock Hardware in Fairfield, where he became fascinated with tools and learned how to use them to fix small machines and engines, a skill he honed throughout his life.
In 1979, David was hired by the Fairfield Fire Department and became a member of IAFF Local 1426. He loved every aspect of the job from supplies to dispatching. When he was promoted to Lieutenant in 1996, he truly enjoyed teaching and sharing his experiences. During his 33-year career, he was rarely without a story to tell. David fought fires even on his last day with the department, when he responded to a mutual aid call for a fire in Bridgeport. He retired as an acting Assistant Chief in December of 2012.
It was during his time as a firefighter that he met Lauri, who would become his best friend and partner in crime. Before they started dating, Lauri set him up on a blind date, but the date changed her mind. So, Lauri met David at the venue to explain and the two of them hit it off. They married in 1990 and settled in Stratford to raise their family.
David loved his family beyond measure and could be found taking his mom shopping, watching Avatar, the Last Airbender with his children, driving late at night to 7-11 for "snacky snacks", building costumes, cutting lawns while wearing earphones listening to podcasts or Genesis and sharing a love of animals with his sister.
He spent countless hours volunteering for his kids' activities, from t-ball to school plays. He participated in the Stratford YMCA Indian Guide and Princess Program for 20 years from 1996 – 2016. He loved helping them build boats and cars. He enjoyed camping, fishing and driving in the parades. He was also a devoted volunteer for the Bunnell-Stratford Marching Band & Guard, from 2005-present, long after his children graduated.
After he retired, David began working at Home Depot and then Mike's Repair Shop in Fairfield. He also worked on small engines for friends and local residents. At the Palm Resaca Park, where he and Lauri spent their winters, he found his last small engine obsession, repairing golf carts for neighbors and became known as the "Golf Cart Guru".
Friends, family, and colleagues will remember David for his dry sense of humor. Many of whom often heard him ask Lauri, "Hey Hun, did I tell you today, that I love you?" And when she'd answer "no", he'd yell, "GOOD!" to the hysterics of all those around.
David was incredibly talented, incredibly funny and incredibly loved, and will be dearly missed by all.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, April 18, 2024, 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at the Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Rd. in Fairfield. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Scandinavian Club, 1351 South Pine Creek Rd. in Fairfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave's memory to his GoFundMe or the Stratford Animal Rescue Society, P.O. Box 1371, Stratford, CT 06615.