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David Zeilstra Obituary
He was born in Trenton, N.J. to Anne and David Ernest Zeilstra, and the family moved to Barrington soon after where he lived most of his life. David graduated from Barrington High School, attended Roger Williams College and received a B.A. Degree in Business Administration with a major in Insurance, as well as a Bachelor of Science from the University of Rhode Island. David also served in the Coast Guard Reserve for 20 years, retiring as Lt. Commander.
He worked in the insurance industry but soon found an interest in rehabilitating residential rental property as well as his unique home at Barrington Beach. He began his construction business full time in 1971 and became well known in the community for construction of high quality homes, additions and renovations. His son, D.J. joined him in the business once he finished school in 2001. His employees were his extended family and they will all miss him very much as a leader, boss, and most of all their best friend.
He was married to Jean Cunha of Providence in 1978, and will be greatly missed by her and his loving family. They traveled with family and friends often throughout the US, Caribbean and overseas, cruising was his favorite. He also enjoyed walks on the beach, usually with his dogs. Large family gatherings always included many friends and employees and became annual events to which everyone looked forward to attending. David's love, compassion and genuine interest in all family members and friends was what defined him as a person.
He was pre-deceased by his father David Ernest Zeilstra in 1975 and his mother Anne Zeilstra Demotta, in 2002. David is survived by his adored and loving wife, Jean, their sons Edward and David John, of Barrington, RI, sister and brother-in-law Linda and John Kellom of Hilton Head, SC. He will also be missed by his in-laws, nieces and their families. Enduring friendships with fond memories will remain for his close friends and family, and especially Steven Ross of Old Lyme, CT, a dear friend for over 40 years.
Calling hours will be Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence. A graveside service with Military Honors will be held Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the Forest Chapel Cemetery, Nayatt Rd., Barrington. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 931 Jefferson Blvd., Suite 3004, Warwick, RI 02886 or the charity of donors' choice. Online condolences: rebellofuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Zeilstra
Rosemary Campos
October 18, 2007
To the family of David,
Although I have not seen David in a very long time, I do remember him as a fine craftsman and a wonderful caring man. My deepest condolences.
David DeVita
October 18, 2007
Uncle David I never understood why you asked me so many questions about myself. I now realize that was you, you wanted to know me better, I'll miss that. You were a great listener and always remembered the little things in the conversations . You always made me feel welcome in your home, even when I told Carla I didn't feel that way. Now that you're gone I realize how much our conversations meant to me, you just wanted to know me, and you never judged me. You will be missed more than you could know, now I know why Carla thought the world of you and Auntie Jean. Only good memories are what I have.
GREGORY WILCOX
October 17, 2007
ON BEHALF OF THE EMPLOYEES OF ARNOLD LUMBER CO OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND COMPASSION TO YOUR FAMILY.
Donna & Mike Dragon ( Tony's sister)
October 13, 2007
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Dave was one of the most genuine, caring individuals we have ever met. Though we didn't see him often over the past few years,we will always remember him as a sincere, loving individual. Our hearts go out to you.
JIM RYAN
October 13, 2007
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO DAVIDS FAMILY. I KNEW HIM FOR ONLY A SHORT TIME BUT I KNW HE WAS A
STAND UP MAN, A GOOD FRIEND ALONG
WITH BEING A GREAT FAMILY MAN. DAVID WILL BE SORELY MISSED
Allison Greene
October 12, 2007
My deepest sympathy to the Zeilstra family. Mr. Zielstra was a very positive influence on my son Matt, and was a great teacher. DJ, you & your family are in my prayers at this time.
Allison Greene
Matt & David's mom
Jared moore
October 11, 2007
dear zeilstra family,
Sorry for your loss. I wont be able to make it to the services because im visiting family in Rochester NY. We wish everyone the best through these hard times. Take care.
Love,
Jared Moore
Audrie Diquinzio
Doug Bielan
October 11, 2007
To Dave's Family,
I was very sad to learn of Dave's death. As a fellow classmate (Class of 1961) at Barrington High School we spent a lot of time together our junior and senior year. I still have pictures of us at the senior class picnic in 1961. Dave was a wonderful outgoing guy who liked people and enjoyed almost eveyone he met. I am very sorry to learn of his passing, and wish his family well.
Susan Osberg
October 11, 2007
To the family of David Zeilstra-
Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of David. I remember him as a wonderful person in high school and I'm sure that only deepened throughout the years.
Sue Espelin Osberg (Barrington High Class of 1961).
Bill Warren & Ellie Siegel
October 10, 2007
It was a real shock to learn of Dave's sudden departure today. We remember him as a humane and humorous craftsman who with his crew transformed our old house 17 years ago. We think of him often, and our hearts go out to his family.
Paula Silva
October 10, 2007
I am so very saddened to hear of your loss of such a wonderful and caring man.He was always so very genuine,considerate and kind. I truely respected him and will miss knowing him.
My deepest sympathy's to his family.
John & Wendy Young
October 10, 2007
Jean, Ed and DJ, our thoughts are with you all. Dave was a great friend and we enjoyed sharing good times with him and his family. He was a loving man to all his family and friends. We thank him for introducing us to Cruising. We took our first cruise with Jean and Dave and were hooked on cruising from then on. We also took another unforgettable cruise with them to Hawaii before we moved to Florida. Dave will be in our hearts forever. He enjoyed life and he will be missed by his family and friends.
Patricia Hess
October 10, 2007
To David's family, we are so saddened to learn of David's passing. Our thoughts are with you all, we have always thought of David as 'one of the good guys'. We will miss him, Steve and Pat Hess
Vince Crowley
October 10, 2007
A mentor, a role model, a good man. Dave was instrumental in influencing some of my life choices, joining the Coast Guard, and emabarking on my own business enterprise to name a few. I am fortunate to have known him, for he left a mark on my soul I will not soon forget. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends. Underway. Semper Paratus Dave.
Manny and Emily Alvernaz
October 10, 2007
Dave was a very genuine and caring man and employer. Family always came first to Dave and we were treated as his family. We miss you and we love you Dave. Thank you for being very special and for your love and support all these years. You will remain in our hearts forever. Our prayers and deepest sympathy to Jean, Eddie, and DJ.
Ilse, Ed, Susy, Andrew, Sarah, and Elizabeth Rothschild
October 10, 2007
The Rothschild family offers its deep condolences to Jean, DJ and Eddie on your loss. We too will miss Davud very much. He was a wonderful husband, father, friend, and neighbor.
Sue Cardin (Mike Zompa's sister)
October 10, 2007
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
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