David Gasperson

David Lee Gasperson passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on December 9, 2015, at the age of 73, after a brief battle with cancer. He was born January 9, 1942 in Carmel, CA. Dave was a 1959 graduate of Pacific Grove High School. He worked as a milk delivery man for Borden and for McMahon Furniture while obtaining his degree in Fire Science from Hartnell College. Dave joined the Salinas Fire Department in 1965, ultimately achieving the rank of Captain, and was recognized as Monterey County Firefighter of the year in 1989. Dave retired from the Fire Department on a medical disability in 1991 after 26 years of service. While working for the Fire Department, Dave also worked for the California Independent Painting Contractors Association. After his retirement Dave worked as a courier for Bank of Salinas, and also enjoyed working with many other retired Fire and Police officers driving dealer trade vehicles for many auto dealers in the Monterey and Salinas area. Throughout his life, Dave’s many interests included playing tennis, cribbage, and golf. He was the quintessential sports lover and never missed a day reading the sports page in the newspaper. One year he even achieved the near impossible selection of a perfect NCAA March Madness bracket. He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Mabel Gasperson, and his brothers, Don Gasperson, Clifton Gasperson, Richard Gasperson, all of Pacific Grove; and his daughter, Sheri Page. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marilyn Gasperson; son, Steve (Tammy) Gasperson, step-daughter, Cathleen (Robert) Bucholtz, and step-son Michael Smith; his grandchildren, Kristi (John) Corrigan, Daniel (Stefani) Page, III, Kari Ann (Josh) Arthur, Shanae Gasperson, Samantha Kenewell, and Eric Smith; great grandchildren, Iziah Rios, JJ Corrigan, Sophia Corrigan, Colton Arthur, Ava Page; sister-in-law Jayne Gasperson; nephews Gary (Jane) Gasperson and Brent (Monica) Gasperson; along with their families. A Celebration of Life will be hosted by the Salinas Fire Department on January 9, 2016, at 1 p.m. at the Northminster Presbyterian Church, 315 E Alvin Drive, Salinas, CA 93906. All are welcome to attend. Private graveside services will be held at El Carmelo Cemetery in Pacific Grove. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dave’s memory to Hospice Giving Foundation at www.hospicegiving.com/donate, or by mailing a check to Hospice Giving Foundation, 80 Garden Court, Suite 201, Monterey CA 93940.