David Mark DePalma
November 25, 1952 ~ November 12, 2025
Born in:
New Haven, Connecticut
Resided in:
Hamden, Connecticut
David Mark DePalma, 72, of Hamden, CT and Naples, FL, passed away peacefully at home on November 12, 2025, with his wife by his side after a brief illness from pancreatic cancer. He was the beloved husband of 36 years to Diane Landisio Addario-DePalma. David was born on November 25, 1952, in New Haven to the late Bernard and Ann Proto DePalma.
Besides his wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his sons, David (Jenn) of Colorado Springs, CO, Paul (Melissa)of Shelton, CT and Stephen (Christina) of Catskill, NY; five grandchildren, Hannah (Jake) Caleb, Alijah, Ava and Alex; two great grandchildren, Ryan and Roman; his brother, Bernard (Mary) of Ithaca, NY; his sister, Irene (Dom) of North Haven, CT as well as several nieces and nephews and his devoted canine, Teddy.
David graduated from Southern CT State University with his BS in Physical Education and Exercise Physiology. He went on to become co-owner of Corporate Fitness Center and was a dedicated and competitive bodybuilder from 1978-1997. David previously held the position of Athletic Trainer at Yale University and served as Track and Field Coach at North Haven High School. Additionally, he taught at the Children’s Center Wakeman Hall in Hamden. After earning his master’s degree in physical education, he became a teacher at West Hills Conte Middle School in New Haven, where he worked until retiring in 2020. He loved to vacation in Aruba and enjoyed spending time in his Florida home. David will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Friends are invited to visit with his family on Friday, November 21st from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden. A Celebration of Life will continue in the funeral home at 6:00 p.m. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org. To send a condolence to his family please see obituary at www.beecherandbennett.com
Services
Visitation: November 21, 2025 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800
Celebration of Life: November 21, 2025 6:00 pm
Beecher & Bennett Funeral Service - Hamden
2300 Whitney Avenue
Hamden, CT 06518
203-288-0800

Dear Diane, Bernie and Irene,
I’m very sorry to hear the passing of Dave. I ran into Dave about 7 years ago when I was in town. I spoke to Dave about a year ago just to say hello. I’ll always remember that smile he displayed when I would see him at the gym. I’m just taken back by his passing. May he R.I.P!
Dave Carrano
SaddleBrooke, AZ
Bernie and Irene: I am devastated by your loss. My most sincere condolences. Family friends for many years, my mom and brother share this devastating time with me. May David rest in eternal paradise with your mom and dad.
Diane, Bernie, and Irene
I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was such a part of all our times growing up and over the years. Many good memories. RIP old friend
He was my go to guy when it came to any workout regiment I was trying to pursue that month lol.
I will miss you
You have left a footprint in many lives
With love and deepest sympathy
Shae
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Dave. I literally just found out about his passing just this minute. Bernie, as you know, you are one of my closest and long time best friends. All the times we shared through our childhood, playing for Candid Cleaners, midget football, and fond memories of high school football. I can still remember you waking me up for our Saturday morning football games. I can remember working out in your garage with Dave setting us up in the garage gym. I remember Dave taking me for rides on his motorcycle. I truly am deeply upset that I missed the services this evening. Please express my deepest love to Irene. When you are able, please reach out. I love you buddy. Although time passes, our friendship never will.