David Michael Polaha

David Michael Polaha, age 64, died on Tuesday October 18. David grew up in Pennsylvania, attended Whitehall High School and Penn State University, earning a degree in Social Work. He was proud to have served 4 years in the US Navy as an Avionics Technician and settled in Virginia Beach after service. He was an artist, a craftsman and a spectacular human being. If you knew him, you know that his kindness and generosity were unconditional and unlimited.

David spent his life in service to his community. He worked with troubled youth at The Pines Residential Treatment facility, taking them on hikes and camping trips to build confidence and self-esteem. He worked with children suffering from AIDS/HIV at Candii House and helped run adventure trips for teens through Camp Wakonda, a special ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia. He was a blood donor for many years, a certified CPR and Advanced First Aid instructor, a shelter volunteer at the Norfolk SPCA. David was very active at the LGBT Life Center, formerly known as Access and originally known as Full Circle Aids Hospice Support.

David was a sought after speaker in the days of "Dinner is Served" fundraising events for Full Circle. It was estimated that he alone was probably responsible for raising about $20,000 through his thoughtful and humorous speeches at the dinners. David lost a lot of friends to HIV through the years and grieved each loss immensely.

There were two accomplishments of which David was most proud in his life. In 1978 David was awarded the Navy and Marine Corp Medal for Heroism for saving a boy from drowning in Chapel Lake in Virginia Beach. From that day forward he was "Hero Dave". It defined who he was and he tried to continue to live up to the name for the rest of his life.

The second accomplishment of which he was proud was his work with the Hampton Roads Ryan White Foundation Board. David served faithfully on that board beginning in 2005 and helped determine how the funds would be used in the Hampton Roads area. He took this role very seriously and strived to offer meaningful and relevant input at each meeting.

David is survived by a host of loving friends including his dear friends and caretakers Jan Melton and Marguerite Alley; his support team at the LGBT Life Center Stacie Walls, Jenny Carter, Angela Antiveros and Leah Raisor, and close personal friends Ken Allen, Donna Julius and Criss Bruneman. His support team wishes to thank the incredible doctors, nurses and care partners (especially in the ER and on the 2nd floor) of Sentara Virginia Beach General for their kindness and compassion in his final days.

Services are private. Memorial contributions may be made to the LGBT Life Center or to the Norfolk SPCA in his name.