David Lavine Obituary

David Lavine, formerly of New York City and Durham, Connecticut, died on Monday, December 13, 2010 in Providence, Rhode Island. Beloved husband of Gladys, father of Rachel, Adam and Rebecca and grandfather of Shingo, Ayano, Jacob and Ari and brother of Nancy Roberts. Born on November 11, 1928, son of Joan Bragman and A. Lincoln Lavine, David taught in the New York City public schools and published several books for young readers on government, as well as "Under the City", an underground look at New York. He went on to serve 18 years in the Connecticut General Assembly, eventually serving as Chair of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Assistant Majority Leader and Deputy Speaker, capping his political career as the Director of Energy for the State of Connecticut. During his tenure in the Connecticut legislature, Lavine authored a number of groundbreaking energy regulation and conservation laws that were used as models in other states, including the Connecticut Inland Wetlands Act. David was active for many years with the National Conference of State Legislatures, serving on its Executive Committee. David will be remembered for his tremendous life force, his engaging conversation, his unbeatable chess game and his good cooking which he served to friends and foes alike. He remained curious and concerned about the state of the world to the end of his life (serving most recently as the Chair of the Middletown Rhode Island Democratic Town Committee) and will be greatly missed not only by his family, but by his many friends and colleagues. Graveside services to be held at 1 p.m. on December 16, 2010 at Island Cemetery in Newport, Rhode Island. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Partners In Health, www.pih.org. Arrangements by SUGARMAN-SINAI MEMORIAL CHAPEL.

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Published by Town Times from Dec. 23, 2010 to Jan. 23, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for David Lavine

15 Entries

Tom Luby

December 26, 2010

When David represented Durham and served as Deputy Speaker of the Ct House of Representatives, I represented the neighboring town of Middlefield. He was unfailingly kind to me, and was one of those who felt strongly yet enjoyed discussing policy with those of differing opinions. He loved the frailties and ironies of the political process, and had a smile and twinkle in his eye when others, myself included, were inflated by certitude. He was above all a humanist, and his optimism was infectious. Please accept my best wishes during this lonely time.

Adam Lavine

December 23, 2010

I'm Adam, David Lavine's son. Losing him was tough on all of us. This is the eulogy I presented at Dad's service.

Nine years ago, my father underwent bypass surgery. The doctor told us there was a chance he wouldn’t survive the operation. Before he went under, Dad told me if that if he didn’t wake up it would be OK. He said to me “I’ve lived a good life.” He said “If I go, I go.”

Well he didn’t go. Dad survived the surgery, and went on to live another nine years, filled with travel, politics, grandchildren, and food, capping off what was indeed a rich, full and good life. Dad was a student, an author of many books, and a teacher. He was a politician, a restaurant critic, an entrepreneur and a commissioner. He was a great cook. He traveled all over this country, and to many countries around the world. He was a loyal and faithful husband, a fun father and a grandfather four times over. He made many friends throughout his whole life.

My father connected with many people on a deep, personal and authentic level. I have been struck in the past few days at how many people cared so much about Dad. People who had known him for decades, or people who he met late in life. Dad took a sincere interest in people and their lives, people who in turn formed deep loyalty and love for my father. And Dad returned this loyalty and love. He treated my wife Aiko and my sister-in-law Robbie like members of his own family. Speaking for my own wife, she never once felt like an outsider. Aiko told me many times she felt Dad treated her as a daughter. She felt loved and accepted by him. He acted like her Father. He truly cared about the people around him.

At the same time, Dad was a stubborn, opinionated man who wanted things the way he thought they should be. Details mattered to him - a lot. He wanted things done right, according to his definition of what right was. To be honest, as I grew into my own man, what I saw as his righteousness would sometimes frustrate me. I did not always agree with his definition of right. We argued, and we would sometimes become angry. After I left, however - no matter what - I would soon want to talk to him again. I would always miss him. He cared about what I was going through, and wanted to know about it. And he always wanted to know about the problems and issues I was facing, and I would always tell him, because he always have insights, and I would always want to hear them.

This is because Dad was capable of deep and wise insights. He could see what often many others could not or would not see. He could think about almost anything and come up with good ideas for improvement. I made him my unofficial naming consultant, often coming to him when I needed a good idea for a product name, and in fact he named several of my products for me. I loved to kick ideas around with Dad - he always thought of an angle I hadn’t considered. This is but one of the things I will really miss about him.

Dad was good at games. He loved to play games, and he hated to lose. Some Dads believe you should let your kids win at games. I can unequivocally tell you my Dad did not subscribe to that particular philosophy. But this made the games more fun, and victories sweeter. Dad was a gifted chess player who could think many moves ahead of most opponents, and certainly many moves ahead of me. I almost never saw him beaten. I played him hundreds of games of chess, and can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I beat him. And I’m actually a pretty good chess player. Besides Chess, Dad taught me to play hearts, cribbage, casino and tennis and croquet. When we lived in Durham, we would go into the playroom for epic games of ping pong. My Mom said she instantly know who had won and lost by the expression on our faces when we came out.

This may sound trite, but Dad was good at buying things. He had a wonderful little BMW - long before anybody knew about BMWs and they became status symbols. Over the years he built up a fascinating collection of kaleidoscopes, which I hope you all take a moment to enjoy when you visit our house for the memorial service. In our childhood, he bought a classic turn-of-the-century pinball machine which was a thing of wonder, while it was still working. He was one of the first people to buy an Intellivision video game system when it first came out, much to my delight, and we had many joyous games of Intellivision baseball together. When he decided to buy something, it was usually something of beauty, quality and character.

Towards the end of his life, while my father was grappling with his debilitating disease, he showed us an amazing inner strength. Cancer has been described as the Emperor of All Maladies, and the disease showed little mercy to Dad. But he rarely complained, and was resolutely determined to fight the disease as he lived his life - on his own terms. He did not complain about the treatments, the frequent trips to the hospital, the transfusions and chemotherapy. When I called him, to ask how he was doing, he would simply say, “I’m still here.”

Now that my father is not here, I miss him terribly. We all do. But I am comforted by knowing that, as he said to me nine years ago: he led a good life. Dad touched many people and made their lives better. I am thankful to have had him as a father, and to have had the time we spent together. A month ago I was able to visit him, and tell him how much I loved him. I am grateful to have had that opportunity to tell him how much he meant to me. I hope today at our memorial at home following this service, you can tell us how much he meant to you.

We all appreciate you coming out today. I am grateful to see all of you here today to help me say goodbye to Dad. Thank you.

Mary Mushinsky

December 17, 2010

David was a formidable opponent to the utilities on behalf of consumers and a sustainable earth. It was a joy to serve with him and his co-chair, then-State Sen. John Larson, on the Energy Committee. He pushed the utilities to invest in energy conservation and efficiency, and his legacy is that conservation is now part of their business plan.
Instead of potholders or pens, David passed out tree seedlings while campaigning in Durham and Middletown. He protected CT's inland wetlands and explained why these features are important in maintaining fresh water and wildlife. Even in retirement, he maintained a keen interest in issues, energy policy, helping people, and politics, and was a genial host along with his beloved wife, Gladys, and kids and grandkids.

Brian Anderson

December 17, 2010

I worked as a staffer for the House Democrats in the 80s and got to know David well. He was a larger than life guy, with a great sense of humor and true compassion for the underdog. He took public service very seriously, without taking himself too seriously. He was the scourge of the utility companies and a friend to the consumer. He made his life count.

Natalie Church

December 17, 2010

Gladys and Family,
Was so sorry to hear of David's passing! I mourn him too. I remember fondly working with you both on Durham's different committees, our friendship, and raising children. My thoughts are with you at this time.

Russ Brenneman

December 17, 2010

Those of us involved with energy policy and administration today feel as if we are planting our feet in footsteps already put down by David and pretending to fashion a wheel that he had already invented. The idea of consolidating energy policy and implementation under one umbrella, the notion that in conservation lies our only unfailingly beneficial "resource" and the belief that intelligent, courageous governmental leadership really can make a difference all were core notions that our friendship and association with David underscored and nurtured. His work in the legislature and as head of the Department of Energy (that many wish to revive today) came at a critical time, not less so than our time today. We are better off for his intelligence, commitment to effective political action, and cooperative public service. Despite his seriousness of purpose, he was unfailingly good humored. We yearn for people like him to be in public life today. For many of he was also a warm friend, although I personally missed out on his cooking phase. During his tenure I served on the Connecticut Energy Advisory Board and as president of the Connecticut Resource Recovery Authority in its early struggles. He was one of the first to understand that our waste is in fact a resource and that waste-to-energy is not just a catchy slogan. He was a lifelong conservationist and a modal that I have carried with me, as I shall continue to do, as chairman of the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and in other roles. Gladys and his family should take great pride in David's accomplishments and character.

Judy Greiman

December 17, 2010

I worked with David in the late 80s while he was in the CT House and always remember him fondly. He was such a wonderful, quick-witted, kind-hearted, brilliant man. His love for his family was obvious to anyone who spoke with him. My sympathies go out to you. I hope you will be comforted by your memories of this special guy.

December 16, 2010

Dear Gladys and Family, My deepest sympathy to all of you. He may be gone but the wonderful memories I will always cherish. Ann Page Durham CT.

GILES D'ORVILLIERS

December 16, 2010

MRS. LAVINE AND FAMILY.
THE THING I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT DAVID WAS WHEN RUNNING FOR OFFICE HE GAVE OUT PINE TREE SEEDLINGS. I HAD TO CUT IT DOWN TWO YEAS AGE AS IT GREWW TOO BIG.

TOM D'AMORE

December 16, 2010

I AM VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSE. DAVID WAS A VERY GOOD MAN WITH A WONDERFUL SENSE OF HUMOR THAT I AM CERTAIN WILL BE MISSED.

December 16, 2010

Candice and I will always remember a truly caring and loving man. The world has lost one of those who did his all to make a difference in the lives of others. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today.

Michael Spier
Durham

December 16, 2010

Dear Lavine Family,

My sincerest sympathy on your loss of your loving husband, father, and mentor. I remember David well, even as a young child, for his long and distinguished service to the people of the 100th district of the Connecticut General Assembly. I'll never forget visiting the family home and surrounding property in Durham with Adam's 5th grade class (Mr. Perley)to appreciate and respect nature. David's greatest legacy is indeed fathering his intelligent and caring children, Adam, Rebecca, and Rachel.

Jamie Roraback
Middlefield

December 15, 2010

Dear Gladys and Family, It was a pleasure to know David (and all of you) during your years in Durham and to work on his campaigns. He will be missed. My sincerest and deepest sympathy to you.

Karol Paduch (Durham CT)

Guy Russo

December 15, 2010

Gladys and family,
My condolences to all of you. May you be comforted by the fact that Dave always viewed the world as bigger than himself, and sought to make it better for all of us. This will remain his eternal legacy.
He remains a frind I have and will continue to remember often.
Bless you all,

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