David
Raul Del Piero, age 63, of Burlington, Vt., passed away on March 11
after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave’s life was defined by
love, friendship and generosity towards others.
David
was born on August 15, 1961, in Oakland, Calif., to Mary (Mossman)
Del Piero and Raul Del Piero. In his early years, the family moved to
Cornwall, Vt., where Dave grew up. He graduated from Middlebury Union
High School and went on to earn a degree from the University of
Vermont. His love for all things mechanical was evident from a young
age, starting with automobiles and eventually leading him to take up
flying. Before finishing college, Dave took to the skies in a small
Piper Warrior single-engine airplane, an experience that ignited a
lifelong passion for aviation.
After
graduating, Dave’s enthusiasm for flying flourished as he embarked on
a diverse and accomplished career in aviation. He began as a pilot
with local commuter Bar Harbor Airlines and flew for major carriers,
including Pan Am and Northwest Airlines. He also flew as a captain
for Leisure Air, USA 3000, EOS and Qatar Airways. Over the years,
Dave served as captain on numerous wide-body charter and private
flights, transporting professional sports teams, celebrities and
royal families around the world.
When
Dave wasn’t crossing the globe, he was hiking, skiing or boating
with friends and family. His love for architecture also led him to
design and build beautiful, distinctive homes in Burlington and
Waitsfield, including a cabin near Sugarbush, where his family could
enjoy skiing and entertaining visitors year-round. He loved the
company of his numerous friends and family. Above all, Dave cherished
the moments spent with his wife, daughter and beloved canine
companion, Rocket.
Dave
was known for his warm smile, quick wit and the joy he found in
sharing a freshly poured espresso or beer with nearly anyone he met.
He was always cheerful, supportive and eager to lend a helping hand
to friends and neighbors. Dave was a loving husband, a best friend, a
loyal companion and a devoted father who treasured every moment with
his family.
Dave
is survived by his wife, Heather Ferrell, and daughter, Abigail Del
Piero, both of Burlington, Vt.; his brother, Paul Del Piero (Debbie)
of Austin, Texas; and extended family members from the Curtis, Del
Piero, Kenyon and Mossman families, all of whom he cherished deeply.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Christina.
A
private burial will be held at the family plot at Woodside Cemetery
in Westminster, Mass. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at
the family cabin in Waitsfield, Vt., this summer.
Donations
in Dave’s memory may be made to the Makerspace program at Mater Christi School in Burlington, Vt.