David Alan Chover

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Alan Chover, a beloved son, brother, cherished friend, dedicated coach, and compassionate philanthropist, who left this world too soon. Dave was born into this world on June 29, 1963, at 2:50 AM at Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, Wisconsin. He passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025, at 2:20 AM, in Ocala, FL with cherished friends by his side. Dave was preceded in death by his older brother, Daniel Benjamin Chover (1961-1981) Dave's loving mother, Flora Mae Lewin Chover, affectionately known as Flo, passed away on September 10, 2015, at the age of 84 after bravely living with Alzheimer's for 15 years. Flo was a dedicated Occupational Therapist. He is also preceded in death by his father, Professor Joshua Chover, a distinguished math professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for over 36 years, who received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and passed away on October 11, 2020.Dave’s love and gratitude for his parents were integral to the remarkable man he became.He was always proud to be from Madison, Wisconsin, where he grew up on Du Rose Terrace. Dave attended West High School in Madison, WI, graduating in June of 1981. Before college, his passion for tennis led him to his first coaching role at the Lake County Racquet and Athletic Club in Hartland, Wisconsin. He then pursued his education, being accepted to The University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he pursued his degree in Criminal Justice and played tennis at the collegiate level. He proudly earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice on July 29, 1988.After graduating from college, Dave moved to Naples, Florida, where he continued to share his tennis expertise as a tennis professional at the Arthur L Allen Tennis Center at Cambier Park. Simultaneously, he began to pursue his dream of becoming a sheriff, embarking on the path to community service that would define so much of his life. Beyond the court, Dave was a true community servant. He pursued his early aspiration in law enforcement, successfully completing the auxiliary training program with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office. He successfully passed the volunteer auxiliary certification exam, and met ongoing training requirements. This voluntary role allowed him to patrol, make arrests, collect evidence, prepare reports, and testify in court, all while continuing his coaching. He cherished this opportunity to serve his community, a testament to his highest moral character. Dave believed in the power of friendship and family. He dedicated his life to serving others and enriching his community, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. Whether you knew him simply as Dave or affectionately as Coach Dave, his profound impact was unmistakable. He had an extraordinary gift for making each person feel like the most special individual in his life, always going above and beyond and never expecting anything in return. Dave’s career was primarily defined by his strong love for tennis and coaching. In 1993, he joined Fort King Tennis Center, in Ocala, FL, where he worked for nearly 30 years, even serving as Director of Tennis for a short period. He arrived as a Level 1 USPTA certified Pro, and was the epitome of a true tennis professional: punctual, immensely knowledgeable, reliable, trustworthy, with a pure joy for teaching and a never ending humorous wit. He genuinely cared about his students, patiently adapting his teaching to each person's ability and significantly improving their game. He selflessly volunteered his time during tournaments, working tirelessly to ensure every event hosted by Fort King was a source of pride. Beyond his regular coaching duties, Dave's dedication to youth tennis shone brightly when, in the early 2000s, he spearheaded and managed city-wide junior tournaments for over five years. This highly anticipated event brought together more than 150 young athletes from across the region, utilizing tennis courts throughout Ocala. It notably attracted talented juniors from prestigious institutions like Saddlebrook Tennis Academy and what is now IMG Academy (formerly Bollettieri Tennis Academy), a testament to the tournament's quality and Dave's organizational prowess. In 2025, Dave initiated the first wheelchair tennis program at Fort King Tennis Center, in Ocala, FL while also volunteering his time to teach Pickleball to beginners at the MarySue Rich Community Center, also located in Ocala, FL.Dave's charitable spirit was immense and deeply personal. He was a philanthropist who quietly donated to numerous causes, ultimately setting up a trust to ensure his lifetime of generosity would live on through his various charities. Among those closest to his heart were the Marion County Humane Society, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Doctors Without Borders, and Marion County Hospice, where he spent his final days surrounded by love and affection—a true testament to his lasting impact. In remembrance of his mother, Flo, he generously supported the Madison Public Library Foundation. He was a Gold sponsor in the Annual Teddy Bear K9 Golf Tournament and supported many other charities and organizations here in Ocala, FL as well as in his hometown of Madison, WI. Dave was a man of many passions. Those who truly knew him understood that he "spoke five languages": Tennis, Pickleball, BBQ, Cars, and the love and trust of his friends. He was proud of his sports cars, including his black '70 Chevelle, 69 Nova SS, and multiple Mustangs. His undeniable sense of humor and comedic wit, known affectionately as "Dave-ism's," brought joy and laughter to all. One of his favorite Dave-ism’s was “That’s Air Mail!” Dave’s enthusiasm for BBQ was legendary, and everyone who knew him was well aware of his mouth watering creations. He loved nothing more than sharing his passion for grilling with others, and his generosity in sharing his BBQ with friends brought him immense joy. If you were at Fort King, the sight of white styrofoam containers in the refrigerator was a surefire indication that Dave had been hard at work, perfecting his famous BBQ for all to enjoy. Dave went beyond simply teaching tennis; he shaped the lives of countless students by fostering an atmosphere of respect and responsibility. By emphasizing the importance of punctuality and good values, he created an environment that allowed his students to not only develop their tennis skills but also grow as individuals. Dave once shared his philosophy: "My bubble is small, if I don’t trust, you leave my inner circle, I need trust and confidence. If I trust you, I’m an open book; if not, you’ll never know." Dave Alan Chover will be profoundly missed by countless friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives he touched. His memory will forever resonate within the tennis and Pickleball community of Ocala and beyond. His life mattered, and his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering service to others will live on forever. Rest in peace, dear friend. In lieu of flowers, Dave kindly requested that donations be made in his memory to Reach Dane, which transforms the lives of underserved children and families. You can donate online at: Donation Form

David will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Dave's remarkable life is being planned in Ocala, FL, following his burial, with further details to be announced soon