1945
2013
David Konrad Riesterer, 67, of Fleming Island, Florida, passed away Thursday, June 13, 2013.
David was born December 29, 1945, to Ella May and Karl Riesterer in Washington, D.C. He graduated from Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania in 1967 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. David earned his Wings of Gold at the Naval Aviation Training Center Pensacola, Florida and in 1969 was assigned to fly Combat Helicopter Missions with HMM-364, the Purple Foxes, at Marble Mountain Air Facility, Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, he was promoted to the rank of Captain and became a Flight Instructor and Standardization Pilot at NAS Whiting Field flying T-28 aircraft. David was honorably discharged from the USMC in 1973, and started a new career with the Federal Aviation Administration as an Air Traffic Controller in Hilliard, Florida. During his 27 year career with the FAA, David earned the position of Area Supervisor and retired in 2000.
David was a member of Rotary Sunrise in Orange Park and New Grace Church on Fleming Island. David is survived by his wife of 44 years, Linda, and his daughter, Dr. Kelly (Christian) Groth. His first grandchild is due in July. Other survivors include his brother, Karl (Elaine) Riesterer, his sister, Susan (Anthony) Golden and his nieces, JoEllen Click and Kelly Golden, and his nephews, Clifton and Bradley Golden.
The memorial service to celebrate David's life will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 22, 2013, at New Grace Church, 5804 Highway 17, Fleming Island, Florida 32003. In lieu of flowers, contributions would be appreciated for Community Hospice of Northeast Florida (4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, Florida 32257) and Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise Charities (Tel. 904-635-5701). HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 127 Blanding Blvd. Orange Park, FL 32073 in charge of arrangements. Post tributes at www.hardage-giddensrivermead.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 1, 2013
Julie Balke
Dearest Linda, I am just now getting used to this terrible news and hoping that the shock will dissipate soon. I only just discovered it today while trying to find your numbers. Jim and I are so sorry for the loss of your husband and best friend. He was a wonderful guy and he will be missed by many. Please call us when you have a chance. We owe you doughnuts.
July 8, 2013
Dan McKnight
Linda and Kelly,
It's with a heavy heart I offer my deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I share your grief.
Dave came into my life August 13, 1967. I have so many memories of times we had together, going through flight school, being roommates in New River, being a groomsman in your wedding, and serving together in Viet Nam. So many good times but the thing I will always remember is that Dave was not just a friend but a gentleman and a genuine good person. I am grateful he came into my life. He will always remain in my thoughts and will be sorely missed.
Dave -- Semper Fi
This Buds for you!
June 24, 2013
John Kenney
Well what do you say about a friend ,brother and one that knows all your good and bad. Mostly I loved David. I saw him during our teen years every day.I saw him as a guy that had honor .He taught me the right thing to do that I did not it every time .His parents were so loving me they called me there 3rdson.Mr. Riesterer would check my report card and after the first time he took me into his den and honestly explained why I should study better and I did.There were so many times I could tell about but most being his man of honor was an thing I always try to be . John Kenney Laplata Maryland
June 22, 2013
Kathy McIlvaine
Linda -- please know that our prayers are with you today. I'm sorry we weren't able to attend the service today but you and your family have been in our thoughts. Blessings to you all. John and Kathy
June 22, 2013
Leona & Harry Davis
Dear Linda and Kelly........David will be sorely missed by many ! We will be there for you in any way we can.....please don't hesitate to call. I have heard a funeral called a 'home going'. David's was certainly that. We thank God for the time we had with David and praise Him for the opportunity to share his home going with so many of the people who knew and loved him. May The Lord comfort all of us in his loss.
June 22, 2013
David had the light that we are given to maintain.God I am sure is very proud of him that he respected that trust as we are .He was a gentleman and a friend.He and his family will always be in our prayers. Jim and Eretta Ryan
June 22, 2013
Jenn Matthews
Linda, you and your family are in my thoughts. I have very fond memories with you and David, for office gatherings and my Christmas Party. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending you lots of love and hugs.
June 21, 2013
Dean and Mary Ann Denmark
Linda and Kelly,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We appreciate David's service for our country and are thankful for his being a wonderful husband and father. May your memories comfort you.
God bless you, his friends, and extended family.
Love, Dean and Mary Ann Denmark
June 21, 2013
Karl and Susan - My thoughts and best wishes go out to you as you grieve the loss of a wonderful brother. We were children together - I always knew David would "amount to something :)"
I wish he had lived to see his grandchild.
Ellen Musser Wright
June 21, 2013
Tom and Anne Davis
Tom and I are so sorry for your loss and are praying for you..Linda, and Kelly and the rest of the family. God Bless.
June 21, 2013
John Whitlow
To Dave's family so sorry for your loss.
Dave was an excellent pilot and a true friend. He will be mourned by his Purple Fox family also. I know Dave is in a better place now, but we will miss him.
Semper Fi
June 21, 2013
Smoke Burgess
Linda and Kelly,
Dave was one of the best. My memories of our time as hootch-mates in RVN will always be some of my favorites. You have my deepest sympathy.
June 21, 2013
Linda and Kelly, as many have mentioned, David will be missed by so many. He possessed a great sense of humor, a strong personality and an expertise in the Air Traffic Control field that was second to none. Certainly, I enjoyed working with him over the years. I shall miss him.
Pete Hooper, Federal Aviation Administration, Retired
June 21, 2013
Dave and Carolyn Humphrey
Linda and Kelly, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We were so saddened to hear of your wonderful husband and father passing. May you rejoice in your wonderful memories and in the knowledge that the Lord is with you all of the time.
June 21, 2013
Patsy Rifenbark
Linda, my heart is broken for you my sweet confidant......I have no words except to say my prayers are with you. May you find peace and comfort in your faith.
June 21, 2013
Donna (Sands) Ruschell
David.. My brother's friend, Cottontail; Spuddy's little brother, Sue's big brother, and the guy who laughed because he thought I wanted my name to be Wanna. It was really "Juana", David. To your family... it's always too soon, and I can't believe all these years have gone by. Love to you, Sue.
June 20, 2013
Anthony "Al" Ettaro
Linda and Kelly -
May the Lord Jesus comfort you now and in the days to come. You most suredly will be in our prayers! God bless you. Numbers 6:24-26.
June 20, 2013
Mary Ann Loy
My deepest sympathy and love to the family
June 20, 2013
Buddy and Sandra Chester
May God bless the Riesterer family. We are saddened by your loss.
June 20, 2013
Jesse Pomeroy
Dave was my supervisor for a time, and it was a pleasure working for him.. Quality guy. RIP Dave. Jesse
June 20, 2013
Deborah Bledsoe
Thinking of you Linda and Kelly and remembering all those swim meets. Good times with good people. May God Bless you two.
Steve, Deborah, and Kelsey Bledsoe.
June 20, 2013
Tom & Karen Tozzi
Linda and Kelly,
Our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We have so many memories of David and your family. This just doesn't seem real. I know your faith and the many people who love you will help you at this time. David is probably already preparing that grandbaby for a lifetime of joy with all of you. God Bless You!
June 20, 2013
Rana Piegay
Dear Aunt Linda, Kelly & Christian,
Wishing we could be with you. Praying that your memories comfort you and that your faith sustains you. We love you very much!
John, Rana, Josh, Lindsey, Jake & Joe
June 20, 2013
Linda and Kelly, I am so sorry for your loss. David was such a special man and I'm thankful I could call him a friend. My next margarita will be for him (he made the best ones!).
Love, Roxanne & Scott Miller
June 20, 2013
Lee Durbin
Linda and Kelly - I am so sorry for your loss. Lean on your family and friends during this time of sorrow, but most of all lean on God. He will get you through this. I pray he wraps his loving arms around you with comfort and peace. I love you dear friend.
June 20, 2013
Doug and Ann Pearson
A Professional, a friend and a man that put others above self. Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of this extraordinary man.
June 20, 2013
Richard and Georgia Bain
Linda and Kelly,
Dave's tribute to you and all who knew him was in the man he was and the life he led.
I will miss him, as will so many others, but he will remain in our lives through our memories.
God Bless and watch over you all.
June 20, 2013
RICK RICARDO
REST IN PEACE, FRIEND.
June 20, 2013
Elaine McCreary
Linda - our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June 20, 2013
Ann and Billy Newberry
Linda and Kelly, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Let all your wonderful memories help you with the healing. God Bless. Ann and Billy Newberry
June 20, 2013
Hope McLaughlin
Always busy, always planning, always available to be a friend. What an amazing man and I will miss him. Praying for you Linda and Kelly.
June 19, 2013
John Whitlow
Dave,
Dave you will be missed by your purple fox family. You have now joined your new family, God's family up there. I believe flying will be easy there.
June 19, 2013
Vernon and Nancy Dutton
Dave,
We miss you. We will all get together on the Other Side and share an eternity of camaraderie.
June 19, 2013
Stephen Willett
David was a good friend, a trusted coworker, a patriot and above all a very fine man. I will miss him. May God bless David and his family.
June 19, 2013
Jim Stewart
Dave,
I'll miss you, Buddy.
June 19, 2013
Larry Britton
Dave will always be remembered by those who served with him as Purple Foxes in Vietnam. Go with God, my friend.
June 18, 2013
Carol Kenney
David, you will always be missed. John considered you his brother. We love you and Linda and Kelly, Spuddie and Elaine, JoEllen and Nick, Susan and Tony, Clifton and Bradley, and Kelly Ann. What a great family! I'll miss your stories and you and Spud arguing. I'll even miss your detailed maps! Thank you for your great service to our country. May you be at peace. Love, Carol and John
June 18, 2013
Carole and Ray Deering
Dearest Linda and Kelly, we are extending our sincerest prayers and deepest sympathy to you and your families in this untimely loss of your husband and father. We are thankful that his pain and many health issues are no longer causing him suffering and he is at peace with our Lord. Regret that he did not get to be here for the birth of his grandchild but sincerely believe his love and spirit will be present. Our love and thoughts are with you.
June 18, 2013
Robert Reddington
Dave, thanks for being a mentor and most of all a very fine friend! Peace be with you and your entire family.
June 18, 2013
Jack McAuliffe
David,
We knew you all your life as Spud's "little brother" and the love and pride he always had in you. In the last few years, you were there as an inspiration and a member of a wonderful caring family. You are a true hero of our country. Our hearts are with your family. Jack and Jane McAuliffe
June 18, 2013
William Kenney
David was my Dad's best friend and was one of my favorite people of all time. Here are a couple of things that he introduced me:
Swiss Army Knives (with toothpick)
Serengeti Driver Sunglasses
talking cars (280Z)
Sun Baked Suburban (my first car)
Brown Volvo (second car)
Driving (dune buggy was first car I ever drove)
artesian wells
Scuttle Shuttle passes on the causeway
Exercise (wrote my first workout regiment at the beach house near Marine World)
bricks of fireworks as presents
beer coaster collection
Debutante Society (never heard of such a thing including coming out party)
Tom Clancy - Hunt for Red October
Top Gun
David will be missed but never forgotten.
William Kenney
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