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BORN
1957
DIED
2015
FUNERAL HOME
David Amituanai Obituary
1957 – 2015
David Elmer Amituanai, 58, passed away from this life and entered into Eternal Life with the LORD on Sunday, April 12th, 2015.David was born in Ft. Riley, Kansas on February 26th, 1957. He grew up in Daly City, California. He attended public schools in Daly City and graduated from Serramonte High School. He completed some college work at City College of San Francisco as well.
David served in the United States Army as an enlisted soldier for 3 years. Upon completion of his military service, he worked with Social Security as a Samoan translator, and then as a journeyman electrician. He became a San Francisco Firefighter in 1993. He was very proud to be a firefighter and loved his job along with all of his new found brothers and sisters.
David loved people and devoted himself to helping others. He enjoyed meeting people of all walks of life and made every attempt to engage with anyone he met. He was honored to serve on the San Francisco Firefighters' Cancer Prevention Foundation following his first bout with cancer. He also devoted himself to the San Francisco Firefighters' Toy Drive Program of which he served as a very jolly and merry Polynesian Santa Claus. He delighted in being a part of a local paddling crew of whom he came to embrace as family.
David is survived by his devoted sisters; Sina Cooper, Elaine Amituanai-Parry (George), Neva Amituanai-Malili (Poto), nephews and nieces; Lyle Cooper, Jr., Christopher Cooper, Michelle Edgtton (Terry), George Parry, Jr. (Kristen), David Parry, Daniel Malili (Sherrie), Fa'amaile Jacob Malili (Lehua), Salamo Malili, Naomi Malili (Jordan), and their families. He is also survived by his godson, Miles. He was the son of the late Reverend Fa'amaile Amituanai and the late Tautala So'osemea Taeleifi Amituanai. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and a score of supportive caring friends.
It is with heartfelt thanks that we recognize the members of the SFFD both active and retired, in addition to Dr. Alain Algazi, Dr. Nancy Allen, Carl Hangee-Bauer, ND and Staff, dear friends and family, for their kindness and continued loving support of our brother, David.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the San Francisco Firefighter's Cancer Prevention Foundation, the San Francisco Firefighters' Toy Drive Program, or to St. Robert's Catholic Church.
Visitation will begin at 4 pm with a Vigil Service at 7:30 pm, Friday, April 24th, a Funeral Service will be celebrated Saturday, April 25th at 10 am, all at St. Roberts Catholic Church, 1380 Crystal Springs Rd., San Bruno, CA. Interment with Military Honors, Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Colma, CA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Amituanai
Sponsored by Cypress Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park.
Jennifer Ricci
April 15, 2025
Your light lit up my life, and lives on in my heart. Miss you, Dave.
Helga García
April 15, 2025
This world was a better place with David in it. 10 yrs seems like yesterday but his gentle soul and big laugh are truly missed. He gave the best hugs
Peter Batanides
April 15, 2023
A good guy and the best Santa.
Pete Batanides
April 16, 2021
Dave was the best Santa the toy detail ever had, and a very nice guy.
LEON JON BONNEY
April 12, 2021
April 12, 2021 - Pecos, New Mexico. Brother Dave, you know we continue to miss you. You left way to early, but your impact upon everyone is worthy of several lifetimes. It was a treasure growing up with you from age 14 at Serramonte HS (we both of the mighty Class of '74) until you left us. Love to you Hermano. From your brother Leon. / Leon Jon Bonney, Esq. - Northern NM. 4/12/2021
Mark Waitkevich, CPT US Army, Retired
February 13, 2017
I had the privilege to serve with Dave (my big brother) at Fort Stewart, GA in 1980 - 1981. He was a wonderful friend and I lost touch with him over the years. I have a few pictures of him celebrating one of his birthdays in which I'd like to send to any of his family that may want them. Can anyone assist me with a family contact? My home number is 508-528-7909. My email is [email protected]. Ama was a big man with a bigger heart! My condolences to all who knew him and loved him.
Helga Garcia
September 1, 2015
I miss David truly everyday but he is now in the best hands and smiling down on us from above with that twinkle in his eye and hearty laughter that we all loved so much.
ERIC DEMESA
August 31, 2015
Never a dull moment with Dave. He lits up anything that is dark. Always full of life, positive attitude, generosity and joy. It both a pleasure and an honor to know you bud during your short stint with SF's pool community. You will forever be in our hearts and minds. And most of all, you will forever be in our prayers. May God bless you and take you in His eternal embrace.
John Olsen
June 20, 2015
A gentle and kind man. Always a greeting and an interest in those around him. "He was a man, take him for all in all.
I shall not look upon his like again", Shakespeare's Hamlet. When we move on might not there be two questions: Is there anyone we want to see? And more importantly, is there anyone that wants to see us? For David the answer without doubt is yes to both. RIP DA.
Jerry Murphy
April 29, 2015
It was an honor and a pleasure to have worked with David. He was blessed with the gifts of humor, intelligence, empathy and a very positive attitude. He was a caring man and the world is a better place because he was here. My condolences to his family and many friends.
Madeline (Yee) Sherlock
April 27, 2015
My condolences to the Amituanai family; I always remembered Dave as a jolly, happy friend when we were at Serramonte and even at the last Serramonte High School reunion. Dave, your smile and positive energy will be sorely missed.
Daniel Gracia Sr .
April 26, 2015
David , may you rest in peace . May God bless and take care of you . You always greeted Annette and I with a big hug . Gonna miss that . Miss you at the toy program for sure ..
Vaililo Su'a-Werner
April 26, 2015
Amituana'i-Parry...My deepest sympathy for your family loss. May the Holy Spirit gives you comfort and peace. Elaine & family...you are in my thoughts and prayers. May David soul & spirit rest in God's loving arms. Love, Lilo...Elmira, New York.
April 26, 2015
My condolences go out to the Amituanai family. May you cherish the many memories you hold of Dave. Also, depend on God to help you cope he is "a secure refuge in times of distress." (Psalms 9:9)
April 25, 2015
My condolences and sincere sympathy to David's Aiga/Family. love...alofa atu...from Virjean Mata'utia
April 25, 2015
Dave represented everything good in a human being.....kindness, laughter and care for others. Please accept my sincere condolences. We all lost a good friend. Fred Walsh Retired SFFD
Carisa
April 25, 2015
Dear Dave,
your bright light smile wondrous voice lit up all the lives of those you met.
Wishing your onward journey is filled with Immeasurable Ease & Joy & Love.
April 24, 2015
Dave always had a smile for everyone knew Dave at the Toy detail Dave played a great Santa, Pet Batanides 9 Truck
Jennifer Ricci
April 24, 2015
No one was invisible to Dave. He looked past the arbitrary values that the world places on people, and tried to see them as Christ did with great love and compassion. So many years ago, in the halls of our high school, he playfully teased this loner' mercilessly, and I loved him for it. When we reconnected later in life, with lengthy and weighty conversation and a few enjoyable get-togethers, I marveled at how blessed I was to know him and have him touch my life. How blessed we ALL are to have shared in the experience, the love, the wisdom, of David Elmer Amituanai. David, I will forever hold you dear.
April 24, 2015
David,
We will always remember your joyous laugh and positive attitude. Rest in peace Brother.
Dennis and Jackie
Sheila B.
April 24, 2015
Such a sweet man with a great voice, kind heart, wonderful laugh, gift of gab and so many other giftings.
Sally Casazza
April 23, 2015
So sorry from the San Francisco Firefighter's Toy Program, we Love and Miss You..
Joel Voboril
April 23, 2015
Rest in peace brother.
April 23, 2015
Alofa tele atu ..... Rest in Love David until we meet again. We will miss you but you will be in our heart forever.
Leon Jon Bonney
April 22, 2015
I'm fortunate to have shared a lifetime of memories with this wonderful human being. From my eyes, what an amazing privilege and journey to have watched a boy-child starting in the summer of 1974, grow into a man that is so amazingly and genuinely loved by so many different people from so many walks of life until he left this life April 2015. Dave laughed heartier than anyone I know, dropped hot sauce on everything, and philosophized about everything as well as anyone I know. I love you with all my heart Brother David. / Leon Jon Bonney, Esq.
S M
April 22, 2015
The laugh that could light a room is now lighting up Heaven.
Renee Nicholson
April 22, 2015
A true gentleman with a beautiful spirit and smile to match. You will truly be missed. My condolences to your family.
Mike & Jennie Glickman
April 22, 2015
Dave you will alway be remembered, loved, and adored by all who know you.
Siobhan Wilson
April 22, 2015
Big David, you are greatly missed & will never be forgotten. Condolences and love to your family and loved ones. Siobhan & Jason
Gary and Lori Gfroerer
April 22, 2015
David was a wonderful guy. I remember David and Elaine from George Washington school and Colma. Lori and I send our deep condolences to all the family and loved ones.
Corlina A Abantao
April 22, 2015
A gentle soul who will be forever missed
Renira Keating
April 21, 2015
To a wonderful beautiful man. You will be missed.
Helga Garcia
April 21, 2015
David once said to me: "All things work together for the good, for those called according to His purpose"....."You and I are part of those called according to His purpose. And His faithful hands are gratefully whose hands I'm glad that we're in."
This and the fact that David is no longer suffering are my only consolation and blessing. Rest in peace baby.
Nikki Sarno
April 21, 2015
David was an amazing being -- we loved having him here at SF Natural Medicine when he came in for treatments. I am sad in my heart but also happy knowing that he's in a more peaceful place. Many blessings to his beautiful sisters, family, and friends. xo
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