David Edward Collazo

David Edward Collazo A great soul of unsurpassed grace, courage, wisdom, resilience and love for others was set free on August 14, 2012, when David Collazo, 64, died peacefully at home after a period of declining health. Paralyzed at age 17 in a school wrestling mishap, David turned his adversity into an example of what the human spirit is capable of accomplishing, enriching the lives of so many who were fortunate to know him. David was born on March 1, 1948, in Hackensack, NJ, and grew up in New Jersey, Maryland and Miami, Florida. He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Florida International University. He moved to Tucson in 1975 and worked as a programmer at the University of Arizona Computer Center. During this time Kathi Abbott became his first caregiver and lifelong friend. After retiring Dave continued to design websites. To give back for all the help he received from so many, Dave tutored dozens of students in a variety of subjects and helped them attain degrees. He always gave of himself as a mentor, a listener and a firm support for a friend in need. Dave loved the outdoors and firearms, and with his buddy Mike Baszynski and others spent many happy days at the range or cruising the grasslands. Mike devised an ingenious mobile bed and other devices to help Dave do what he wanted. David's excursions around the western states and Mexico are legendary. Despite the challenges of holding a needle, Dave was a talented embroiderer, creating award-winning works of art from his own designs. David was preceded in death by his father, Augustin Edward and mother, Elizabeth Grace. He is survived by sisters, Elizabeth Koenig (Fred), Maria Pierce (Paul) and Christina; by brothers, Fred (Wendy), Tom (Debbie) and Steven; nephews, Fred (Deb), Peter, Michael, Matt (Kerry) and Charles Koenig; niece, Signe Pierce; aunt, Edith Krannich and cousins, Douglas Sorhagen (Karen) and Leslie DeSessa (Paul). Also surviving are Dave's three beloved godchildren, Tala, Erin Duvall (Amy Dumes) and their daughter, Penelope and Aja Squires (Otis). Special thanks are due to Kathi, Huajilla Huebbe, Tala, Michelle Rally, Aja, Chris Barry, Janet Skaggs, Yolie Claxton and many others who took such loving care of David every day and brought great cheer to his life. David's spirit of hope and joy will live on in all of us. There will be a potluck celebration of Dave's life on Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Catalina State Park from 12:00 noon - 4:00 p.m. To honor his memory, please consider giving time or assistance to someone in need. Dave would like that. Arrangements by NEPTUNE SOCIETY.