David E. Mihal

David Edward Mihal passed away on September 24, 2025. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward (2000) and Celine (2020). Loving family members include his former wife and best friend Terri Osbun, his brother Daniel Mihal and his wife Marcy and their children John and Kate; his sister Patricia (Kiki) Graham and her husband James and their children Eric, Shane, and Paige; also his aunt and godmother Ruth Varney and her husband David.
Dave grew up in a friendly neighborhood. He and his brother Danny could always be found together getting into some kind of trouble. They were part of a large group of kids who as adults remain close friends to this day.
He attended Our Lady of the Valley School, Wayne Valley High School, and William Paterson University. During Dave's childhood, the family spent summers camping at Seashore Campsites and spending days at Cape May Point Beach. This led to his lifelong passion for salt-water fishing whether from a boat or a jetty.
Dave was a fantastic handyman and could repair almost anything. Those who knew him always admired his warm smile and his willingness to help others. He learned to become a great cook and loved to prepare meals for his friends. Dave knew every word to every Bob Dylan song and, like his idol, was a poet at heart. He enjoyed Humphrey Bogart's smooth style and Ernest Hemingway novels, but the movie "Eddie and the Cruisers" was his all-time favorite.
He had a generous spirit and had no trouble making friends in any setting. Once, he convinced the "senior"bus driver to drop him off from her regular route so he could do his errands. During the summer, he always made sure the cart collectors at the local Shop-Rite had a cold bottle of water. Dave knew the name of every nurse, aide and even the janitors who helped him over the
past six months. For fifty years, Dave and Terri had a unique, caring relationship. He provided the fun and she the stability, first as partners; then close friends.
Dave was right, Bob said it best: "May God bless and keep you always. May your wishes all come true. May you always do for others and let others do for you. May you build a ladder to the stars and climb on every rung. May you stay forever young. Dave, you will be missed every day!
A memorial will be held at a later date.