David Palaia

1950 - 2024

BRISTOL

David "Diamond Dave" Palaia of Bristol, a lifelong diehard water skier, reluctantly let go of the rope a day after his 74th birthday following a long argument with Lewy Body Disease. He displayed his unrelenting work ethic and his unique brand of stubbornness these past four years, aided by the love and care of his wife/partner, Debra D'Addio.

Born July 17th, 1950 in Bristol, CT, Dave was the oldest son of Saverio & Edith (Bonhotal) Palaia. He graduated from Bristol Eastern High School in 1969. He furthered his education at Clarkson University in Potsdam, NY, graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering and later obtained his PE Certification. But Engineering Offices in those days were full of second-hand smoke, so Diamond traded smokey air for diesel fumes and the smell of fresh asphalt to start Diamond Construction in the late 1970's, eventually becoming Diamond Paving, LLC. For over 35 years he enjoyed being his own boss, logging uncountable hours paving driveways, plowing snow and fixing equipment. Dave worked hard and played hard but work always came first and along the way "Diamondized" became a familiar phrase.

When Dave wasn't working he could usually be found enjoying his favorite activities; water skiing and barefooting on the CT River, snow skiing out west, traveling in his camper, walking his dogs or fixing something that was beyond broken. He liked anything that had a motor, especially if it floated. He could also be found in the dictionary under the definition of "frugal". He was known as Big Uncle Diamond to his grand-nieces and nephews so as not to be confused with his faithful Jack Russell terrier, known as Little Uncle Diamond.

Dave is survived by Debra D'Addio, his brother Donald of Bristol, nephew Brian (Amy) Palaia of MA and several grand-nieces and nephews. He also leaves friends John & Sharon Sobestanovich, Glen & Stephanie Bosse, the Paradise girls; Sue Zagryn of TX and Chris Lavery of NH, aunts, uncles and many cousins including Keith Brasley, Paul Palaia and John Woike.

In addition to his parents, Dave was pre-deceased by his brother Todd, Lynn Paradise Brewer and his fellow diehard water skier and friend, Geoff Rioux.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, July 29th at 11 a.m. at St Francis de Sales Parish, St Anthony's Church, 111 School Street, Bristol, CT. Family and friends are asked to meet directly at the church for Mass.

Dave's family would like to thank the staff at Ingraham Manor for the care extended to him these past few months. In lieu of flowers please honor Dave by teaching a kid how to fix something or by donating to St Vincent De Paul Mission of Bristol at https://svdpofbristol.com

To leave an online message of condolences, please visit David's tribute page at www.OBrien-FuneralHome.com..

David "Diamond Dave" Palaia