David Michael Ravalese

David Michael Ravalese
David Michael Ravalese, 71, of South Windsor, life partner of Deanna Ouellette, passed away on Thursday, February 19, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after a two-year battle with gastric cancer. Dave was born on May 17, 1954, in Hartford, one of four beloved children of Anne Ravalese and the late Dominic M. "Sonny" Ravalese of South Windsor.
He was a lifelong resident of South Windsor and attended South Windsor High School. Dave enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1974, earned the rank of Lance Corporal and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1978. He then joined the National Guard to serve his country for an additional year. Dave began his working career in field service and later transitioned to Maintenance Engineering, most recently working at Deringer-Ney in Bloomfield.
Dave was known for being a gearhead who loved to spend time tinkering with machines. He was never happier than when he was with his son Nick or nephew Mike on a snowmobile, dirt bike, motorcycle or in his Camaro. Never lacking a tool, there was nothing on Earth that Dave couldn't fix. Music was another large part of his life. He was in several local bands including The Soul Invasion, Heavy Traffic and Too Much Too Soon. Dave had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and loved to play practical jokes on others. He strongly valued staying physically fit. Dave could often be found weightlifting, running, swimming or mountain biking. His other hobbies included toying with his drone and other gadgets, cooking, baking, fishing, and spending time with his family and his dogs, Rocky and Lolli.
In addition to his mother, Anne, Dave leaves to cherish his memory: his son, Nicholas David Ravalese and partner, Matt of Jersey City, NJ, Deanna and children, Charlie and wife Anna Ouellette, Carrianne Polo, Dan Polo and Irene Ouellette and partner, Bill Kites; his sister, Gail Ryan and husband, Robert; his brother, Michael Ravalese Sr.; his brother-in-law, Terry Stoddard and wife, Jamie, all of South Windsor. Other family members include his three nieces, Megan Ryan, Elizabeth Nickerson and husband, Joel, Nikki Brunelle and husband, Erick; his two nephews, Michael Ravalese Jr. and Paul Ravalese; and his three grandchildren Jolie, Luca and Kepler. In addition to his father, Dave was predeceased by his beloved sister, Judith A. Stoddard.
All are welcome to join his family at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor, CT 06074, on Thursday, February 26, 2026, for calling hours from 9:30-11:00 am, with a service at 11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fairview Cemetery in West Hartford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to No Stomach For Cancer ( https://nostomachforcancer.org ). To leave a condolence, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com .