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David Wakefield Obituary
Family-Placed Obituary
DAVID LEE WAKEFIELD Age 56, passed peacefully June 4, 2011. David was born November 6, 1954 in Norfolk, VA. David was a long-time resident of Jupiter, a graduate of Jupiter High School. Dave will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Jessica Rose; mother, Sondra Mellen Wakefield; father, Byron Wakefield; brothers, Richard Michael, Stephen Dale; sister, Cheryl Puletti; aunts, Marcia Branch, Carol Highsmith; nephews, Brett and Jacob Wakefield; neices, Heather Tuning Hammen, Sara Puletti Childers, Sandi Puletti Taylor; great-nephews, Logan, Jayden, Nickolaus; great-neices, Destiny and Bella; many cousins, and many, many friends, and his beloved pooch, Sam. David was a friend to all, a jack of all trades. His talents were unlimited. He was an institution in Jupiter, and never failed to help his fellow man. David's community spirit was immense, and he loved the "Farms" where he resided since 1985. We will miss him tremendously -- his humor, his presence, his heart, his being. A celebration of life in David's memory will be held Sunday, June 12, 11:00 AM at River Center, 805 No. U.S. 1, Jupiter at the Waterway Pavilion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Jessica Rose Wakefield College Fund at any Bank Atlantic. To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
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Memories and Condolences
for David Wakefield
Janet Handwork Spencer
June 4, 2024
I remember you David as a kind, loving and fun Cousin! Miss getting to know you longer. Janet in Texas Daughter of your Cousin, Sherald Virginia (nee Mellen) Handwork.
Janet Handwork-Spencer
June 4, 2023
We Love Y'all, MELLEN-WAKEFIELD Family! David was a wonderful man, and we are so glad we were able to visit with him, years ago. Love and Blessings, Janet and Judy Handwork, daughters of Sherald Virginia (nee MELLEN) Handwork.
Cousin Janet Handwork Spencer
June 4, 2022
I love all of you, and I am remembering my Cousin David with such fondness and affection!
Kathy Fagan
June 16, 2021
Miss you! You're about to be a grandpa!! You would be so proud of your daughter! Thinking of you.....xo
Janet Handwork-Spencer
June 4, 2020
We miss you, Cousin David, but know we will see you again! Love, Janet in Texas
David Mulberry
March 9, 2012
Im Really sorry to hear of Daves passing. Ill never forget all the good times we had.And his passion for jupiter farms. From one florida boy to another, May GOD hold you in the palm of his hand for all of time.
Sandy Wakefield
July 20, 2011
My dear son, you left us too soon. I miss you -- your smile, your bear hugs, your stories -- Oh, the stories! I guess Uncle Steve needed a fishing partner. Hope you're catching the big ones. You will never leave my heart.
We know you are keeping an eye on us --everyone at your "Celebration of Life" witnessed the "God is with you" message written across the sky. And you sent that heart so we know you are watching. Jessica is an amazing legacy and I know you, as well as everyone, is proud of her. You did a great job! I love you, my son. Mom
Sherri Beswick
July 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Robin & Laura Harrand
June 29, 2011
We are so sorry to hear of your untimely passing. You were a wonderful person, employee and friend. You will truely be missed. May you rest in peace my friend.
Aunt Chris
June 23, 2011
My heart goes out to your daughter David, but she has lots of stars shining around here to keep her safe and grounded. Rest in Peace.
Penny Larson
June 22, 2011
Dear Jessica,
You are so right, your dad was an amazing guy that lived his life more fully than most people ever dream of. He was the kind of guy that could fix anything and he shared that with his friends and others that were in need. Andrew said, "He was the guy that would put his hand out and pull you to safety when other people were standing around wondering what they could do." He was both a fierce individualist and a rock of the community. He was smart and funny and had a grin that charmed everyone. When I think of him, he is always smiling in my mind. There are many thousands of reasons why so many people attended his Celebration of Life...because he reached out so generously so many thousands of times. You are his jewel, Jessica, and he will be at your shoulder guiding you for your whole life.
Your dad is gone far too soon from this plane, Jess, and we are so sorrowful that you did not have more time with him, but his enormous vibrancy is an ongoing gift that will ring in your heart more and more as your life unfolds. Love, Penny and Andrew
Jessica Wakefield
June 22, 2011
My dad was my rock, my best friend. I would go to him for EVERYTHING and nothing short of it. I will miss him so much and will never forget any of the stories I heard over and over again over the passed 23 years of my life. He lived an amazing life and lived it to the fullest. No better man had ever been known. And no better father had ever been had. I love him very much and will miss him even more. Until we meet again Dad, I will be following your footsteps the entire way, making you proud!
Andy Bukovsky
June 21, 2011
Today is the first day of summer! I wanted to remember David by many hunting and fishing stories, so after reading this tell your story so Daves passion will be remembered. I met Dave 33 years ago,Back then we were into bass fishing, using purple pearl tails, (rubber worms) from Mr. Sportsman. We always were competetive, every year checking each others score. Well Dave almost always got more than me. When we hunted we had a code for using the two way raido,so if a deer was close to the other we would not ruin the other persons shot. After the shot the person who did not shoot would say
"what did you get?" and the responce would be buck or doe, then points and size. After that we would always remind each other of the score- 2 to 1 ect...Well Dave was having a bad year and I was having a good one. That year was 7 to 3 in my favor. I was shooting for the freezer and had a reputation for taking smaller deer. Well I shot and Dave asked "what did you get?", And my reply was a long pause and then "Medium Deer". He broke out into histerics and never let me forget my medium deer. This is one of many good times that we shared. This hunting season will definetly be different, and the time leading to it, as we talked every couple of weeks for 33 years.
I sure will miss you Davy Me Boy.
your favorite sister
June 20, 2011
Love you and miss you bunches.
Kathleen Mellone-Kindt
June 19, 2011
Your memory is an eternal flame. Unselfish kindness is like that.
Laura MacDougall
June 18, 2011
Dear Dave, I sure will miss seeing that big smile and the hugs you always gave. Thanks again for the time you fixed my old car for nothing and loaned me your van while you did it. You were one of a kind and I will never forget you! Laura
Susan Daniels
June 16, 2011
What a good handsome brute! I know Dave would want you to all have a party with good food, good music and good friends to celebrate his life. He would say don't worry about all that other nonsense.
Dave was an institution in Jupiter Farms. He deserves tremendous credit for preservation of the open land along Indiantown Road in Jupiter Farms; in 1992 he was one of the founding members of Jupiter Rural Residents which became Jupiter Farms Residents; he helped start and name the Jupiter Farmer Newspaper; he was one of the first people to make the big floats for the Jupiter Farms Christmas Parade; he founded the lawn mower races we had at Riverbend Park and made all the rules for the limited modifications; he used his swamp buggy in the Burt Reynolds movies; he would-- literally--give you the shirt off his back. He was big, strong, independent and one-of-a-kind. I will truly miss him and I will intentionally remember his voice and his spirit. I am sure the Lord will say, "Well done my good and faithful servant!"
Your friend in Jupiter,
Susan Hayden Daniels
Kathryn Fagan
June 16, 2011
One of the attributes of love . . .
is to bring harmony and order out of chaos.
--Molly Haskell
Have we forgotten how to love in our hurried passage through life? Perhaps we need reminding that love focuses our attention and guides our direction. Our actions aren't hurried and our feelings aren't confused and unraveled when we're loving others and ourselves. Love offers form and enhancement to each moment.
When we experience the love of another, we remember our importance, and theirs, to the circle of life, and we feel encouraged, at times even impelled, to share the enchantment of love with someone new.
When the day's frantic activities crowd the heart's silent places, we must slow our pace and take notice of the loved ones in our presence, there by intent, remembering with them the design that has captured us and given meaning to our lives.
Love creates music from the disharmony of our haphazard life choices. Giving it away is like a song of happiness emerging from our hearts.
David and Cousin Judy standing in his driveway.
Janet Handwork Spencer
June 15, 2011
Dear David ~ Although I was privileged to meet you only once, (November 2010), stopping to chat with you and a friend in your driveway, I perceived your sweet spirit, kindness and your love for others. By reason of distance of our MELLEN-WAKEFIELD-HANDWORK families - Florida & Texas, unfortunately, we never got to know you well, except through our Cousins, your wonderful Mom Sandy, and your dear Aunts, Marcia and Carol. (I'm glad that Judy and Peter were able to spend some quality time with you a few years ago.)
As others have said, I'm sure you and your Uncle Stephen know the "best fishing holes" and are enjoying each other's company.
Jessica, Judy and I are so glad that we were also able to meet you and have dinner with you and Dustin (and Sandy, Marcia & Carol) at The Jettys on Jupiter Inlet, viewing the beautiful Jupiter Light House, while we were visiting last Fall. It was a fun time to get to know you and Dustin, even a little.
Our love and prayers are and will be, with you and your family, always. I pray that you will rest in the Arms of the Lord and allow Him to comfort you. Your Dad was truly a Godly man in his service to and love of mankind. I'm sure you are very proud to be his daughter. You are a lovely person, Jess.
Blessings and Love to all of you; family: Jessica, Sandy, Marcia, Carol, Michael, Stephen, Cheryl and families, and all of David's numerous friends.
Cousin Janet
Sharon Ashby
June 14, 2011
I just want to express my sincere sympathy to Dave's family. I had the pleasure of working with Dave for 2 years at DET and he was a wonderful man. He was always there to help out his fellow coworkers whenever they needed help and he will be truly missed. He was a very lovely man.
Tammy Wallace
June 14, 2011
I was truly blessed having you in my life David. I will miss our conversations tremendously of our ongoing happenings in our life..Your funny story's about what Jessica was doing or not doing or your story's about her out west somewhere stuck or broke down..lol Although I wasn't around much to see her grow up I feel as though I was a part of her through your words. You were a great dad who loved your baby more than words can say. I hope she knows through all of us how very proud of her you were..You helped me through some of the most trying times in my life and I will miss our "traditional" Kentucky ride home talks on how you either did or didn't get that buck or doe..I promise you because you told me too to continue with my passion to learn how to hunt and I will be thinking of you some day when the big day comes for me to be out there in a tree stand some where..You never know, Kentucky may be in the future and I only hope it will be where you once left your footprints in the wilderness of that great place where you once stood..I miss you and love you my sweet friend...
Bob Shanley
June 14, 2011
So sorry to hear of David's passing. I enjoyed every minute I spent with Dave. In the late 70's we had the opportunity to work and travel through the mountains of North Carolina along with his brother Mike. Enjoyed many adventures with them. David rest in peace my friend. Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Fagan
June 13, 2011
when the planes flew over the pavillion then wrote in the sky "GOD Loves You" and clouds formed into a heart....it was evident you were up above watching us Celebrate your life. Love you and Miss you forever! Kathy and Joey
Robby Robiison
June 13, 2011
From the Robison Family,
we are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend. He was as good as it gets TRULY. We wish to offer our deepest heart fet sympathy to the family. We will always keep you in oyr prayers. God took from us a real peice of old Jupiter but he gained a true friend R.I.P. until we meet again Rob, Christel, Robert, Christopher
Sam Plummer
June 13, 2011
"Still water runs deep." David's countless quiet kindnesses touched so many people over the years.
Kathryn Hensley
June 13, 2011
Dear Jessica, The loss of a father is life changing. It's something we will never forget or get over. After all, he was the first person to hold us and teach us about Love. At whatever age we are all Daddy's little girls and it is so hard to have to suddenly grow up. As you know.. I witnessed it firsthand when my babies lost their father so young. You are in my thoughts, heart and prayers......
Debra Sheridan
June 13, 2011
R.I.P. David. You will missed by so many.
Love, Jeff, Debi, Brian and Lexus Sheridan
Madelyn Goodner
June 12, 2011
My Sympathy and Prayers to the Wakefield Family.
David you will be missed.
Lori Zenobia
June 12, 2011
David, thank you for welcoming me back home, I will always remember that.... and every time you drove by and promised to bring me some deer tenderloin. :) A kind and gentle soul, you will be missed by many. Such a beautiful life, well lived.
Peace...
My love and prayers to the Wakefield family.
Judy Panasci
June 12, 2011
Rest in peace David. Peter and I will always rememeber your hospitality when we came to visit in 1999...Peter still speaks so well of you. Jessica, your Dad will always be in your heart - I know because my Dad is in mine. Sandy and family - you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cousin Judy and husband Peter from Texas.
Jimmy Callahan
June 12, 2011
Very sorry to hear this. My prayers are with his family. He was way too young.
Sue Nelson
June 12, 2011
My prayers go out to Cheryl and the rest of the Wakefield family. David you were too young to leave this earth, R.I.P.
Josette Billian
June 12, 2011
I grew up in Jupiter and hung out with David. He was like a big brother to all the girls . He protected us and treated us with respect.We had alot of fun too , Daivd I`ll never forget four wheeling every sunday and then playing softball afterwards . those were the good ole days . Even though , I do not live in jupiter anymore, I know you will be greatly missed by all who knew you . May your family be at peace and know that you are being well taken care of in heaven.
Yours Truly
Josette Pergolizzi Billian
vicki flynn
June 12, 2011
RIP Dave May the angels always be upon you Prayers to the Wakefield family...
Lori Hardin
June 12, 2011
To the family and dear friends of David ~ God bless you all.
Marc Bressler
June 12, 2011
David was my roommate right out of high school and he would do ANYTHING for you...and sometimes ANYTHING period. That was what made David David. I mourn his passing and thoughts and prayers go out to his daughter, his parents and siblings..
Missy Miller
June 12, 2011
I join all of Jupiter in the sorrow of your loss. Dave will be greatly missed!! Many thoughts and prayers for the entire Wakefield family.
Bob Skakandy
June 12, 2011
To the Wakefield Family,
I was so sorry to hear this news. I went to Jipiter High with Dave and we conmtinued to run into one another throughout the years. Always friendly, happy and thoughtful. Truly a nice man.
Pryaers for all of you.
Bob
Marianne Zebedee
June 11, 2011
Dave...you will always be remembered as a good customer at Inland Marine back in the 80's and a cherished part of our family when Jess was at JupIter First Preschool
David Schott
June 11, 2011
David, you will be missed by all those you have touched you were an amazing man and friend and everyone is right a piece of jupiters puzzle is now missing :( and my thoughts and prayers go out to your family and the many friends you had, may you rest in peace my friend......
BIG SMILE!
Kathy Fagan
June 11, 2011
In Love and in light, David will be looking down upon us. He was a piece of Jupiter. The outpouring of friendship is everywhere in the loss of a man who was always there to help a friend. I will miss his smile and frienship. XOXO
Three Brothers and A sister
Kathy Fagan
June 11, 2011
David Lee Wakefield
Kathy Fagan
June 11, 2011
paul and lynne johnson
June 11, 2011
so sorry to hear of the loss of david he will truly be missed by all that had the privilege to no him.
Jody Sopko
June 11, 2011
Dear Wakefield family, my heart hurts for you all. We all know that David is fishing and hunting in the greatest spots right now. Such a loss at such an early age. God must have needed a big strong angel to help him with the heavy stuff. Rest in peace my friend. Love you all.
James Johnson
June 11, 2011
Loved David Wakefield what a super human being.Jim Johnson
Bob Miller
June 11, 2011
Wow.How times flies-and then so do we.Here today-Gone tomorrow.So cool-he lived for hard work and big fun.He truly will be sadly missed by all of those who were fortunate enough to know him-and have fun with him.To live for hard work,big fun,-(huntin'and fishin)-is just about as JUPITER cool-as it gets.We have lost another LEGEND-of jupiter's finest.Blessings to Dave,his family,and anyone who may happen to be reading this right now-He was a very fine man-a very cool fine man-love,Bob-o.
Bob Miller
June 11, 2011
Unbelievable.Time flies-then so do we.He was a truly fine man-so cool-He will truly be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know him-and have fun with him.His life was about hard work-and big fun-and I think that is AS COOL AS IT GETS.Blessings to his family-and everybody reading this-love,Bob-o.
Mark Highsmith
June 11, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of my great cousin, David. I wish I would've been able to see you more. God bless you and my sympathy to all who have lost a good friend, son, father, uncle, cousin, all around great guy.
Love, Mark Highsmith
joanne darby-hodapp
June 10, 2011
dave, you were a one of a kind of guy.you touched soo many people. you will always be missed. love ya dave.
Jimmy Rohweller
June 10, 2011
Fagen called me today & told me the bad news. She's still looking out for you. I'm sure you're either hunting or fishing right now.
June 10, 2011
The Waltons Jupiter Farms FL
Jimi Ellis
June 10, 2011
Rest in peace buddy.
Suzie Williams-Flournoy
June 10, 2011
I am so sorry to hear about David. We grew up together & were in the same graduating class of '72. He was always smiling. I am praying for your whole family.
Carol Highsmith
June 10, 2011
My dear nephew, David: You were always smiling, always willing to lend a hand, so creative and smart. I hope you will find Stephen for some good fishing together. Jupiter will not be the same without you, nor will we. Love and miss you always, Aunt Carol and Uncle Earl
June 10, 2011
So sad to hear of Dave's passing. Great memories of our school days and hanging at the house off Pennock Point Road. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Cathy Spitzer
Chad & Jamie Edwards
June 10, 2011
We are praying for you and your family that God will hold him closely. Many condolences and regards. Chad & Jamie Edwards
Melissa Burg
June 10, 2011
I have many memories of my dad, Cliff Burg Jr., bringing my brothers and i out to Dave's house. He was a very sweet man and i know he will be missed so much by my dad and so very many others! R.I.P. Dave. May you rest peacefully!
Melissa Burg
Lauren Huffman
June 10, 2011
My heart goes out to your family... keep all of your happy memories fresh and on your mind during this loss. Jessica... I know the pain and loss you are feeling right now and I'm here for you if you need anything! Xoxo
Ken Faucher
June 10, 2011
A piece of Jupiter was lost, God bless, RIP
Becki Bussey-Myers
June 10, 2011
Dave, you will be truly missed by all the people you have helped and befriended in your years on this earth. Hope the fishing and hunting is beyond your expectations in the skies of heaven. My heart goes out to your family. RIP my friend till we meet again.
David Baxter
June 10, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your loved one. I'm sending you a hug from afar.
Cheryl Kaney
June 10, 2011
You will be missed, my friend!!! May you rest in peace......
Lovingly, Cheryl Fritze Kaney
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