David Louis Macedonia

David (Dave) Louis Macedonia passed away on July 9, 2024,at Florida Northside Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. His loved ones mourn the loss of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Dave was born on October 28, 1948, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania to Italian immigrants, Carmella and Luigi (Louis) Macedonia. He was the product of a close-knit Italian neighborhood and enjoyed a large extended family, since his mother was the first of 13 children.
Dave is survived by his wife, Carol Macedonia, his children, Michael Macedonia, David (Deborah) Macedonia, Nicholas (Emily) Macedonia, Margaret (Matthew) Harris, and Anna Macedonia, his sister, Gloria Supansic, his grandchildren, Daphne, Maria, Lucas, Joseph, Anthony, Theresa, Jack, Logan, Mario, Louisa, and Giovanni and his special "grand princesses," Hayden and Remi. Throughout Dave's life, his close knit, devoted Italian family of many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, and nieces were never far away and always an integral influence in his life.Dave graduated from McKeesport High School in 1966. He then carried his passion for learning and athletics to West Liberty University where he earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and played collegiate football and baseball. He later received a master's degree in educational leadership from George Washington University.
During the Vietnam War, Dave served honorably as a Ranger in the 101st Airborne Division, returning home safely in 1971. His service proved to be a profound experience that stayed with him for the rest of his life. In his later years, Dave was inspired to join with a group of Vietnam veterans to found Vietnams Battlefield Tours. This organization is dedicated to providing an opportunity for veterans and their families to return to Vietnam where they often experienced inner peace, reclaimed their place in history and found healing by immersing in reconciliation efforts. Dave was deeply committed to the work of Vietnam Battlefield Tours, leading over forty groups to Vietnam over a span of 17 years where they each experienced a tour personalized to meet their specific needs.
Dave was employed by Arlington County Schools as an adaptive physical education teacher for more than 30 years. His knowledge of perceptive motor development and his devotion to students with unique needs led to him to be instrumental in the founding of Special Olympics throughout Northern Virginia.
In addition to full time teaching, raising a family, and helping Special Olympics become a reality, he also used his expertise in aquatics and pool operations to manage numerous community and private pool complexes throughout Northern Virginia during the summer months. Not surprisingly, his children grew up as competitive swimmers and he was never far away from a pool, as a starter or referee during competitive swim meets across Northern Virginia for two decades.
An avid outdoors person, Dave found much pleasure in traveling with his wife in their RV experiencing both luxury and primitive camping while visiting family and friends, attending collegiate athletics events, or just "hanging out with his dog, Louie," enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
Dave's spirit of generosity extended beyond his family. In the last six years of his life, Dave was again drawn to the service of veterans and volunteered over 3,600 hours helping them navigate the extensive campus of the Bay Pines Veterans Administration complex providing transportation to their destinations throughout the campus in his always "ready to go" golf cart.
Donations can be made in the Name of David Louis Macedonia at:
• The Tampa Bay Society for the Prevention to Cruelty (SPCA) to Animals- Donate to Help Animals In Our Care – SPCA Tampa Bay
• Vietnam Veteran Memorial Fund (https://www.vvmf.org/)
David Louis Macedonia's story is one of dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to his family, friends, community, and country. He will be deeply missed, but the seeds he planted in the hearts of those who knew him will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.
The internment for David Louis Macedonia will take place at the Bay Pines National Cemetery at 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, St. Petersburg, FL 33708 on Friday August 23 at 1:30pm. It will be followed by a reception honoring his life of at the American Legion Post 273: 600 American Legion Dr., Madeira Beach, FL 33708, from 3-6pm.
For the Northern Virginia event:
Since Dave spent much of his life in Northern Virginia, there will also be an event for those living in that area to honor him. The Macedonia family invites you to share a meal and some memories on Saturday September 14 at the Lee-Graham Clubhouse: 7319 Lee Hwy, Falls Church, VA 22042, from 12-3pm.