In loving memory of
David Eugene Clapp

• April 20, 1938
• -
• August 09, 2023

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Born in (Newark, New Jersey) April 20, 1938, to David Bingham, and Alice Madeline (Sunny), Dave was preceded in death by brothers Roger, (wife Ann, Tracy, Barbara, David), and Raymond (wife Antoinette (Tony), (David, Matthew, and Christine). Always revered, and remembered by their little brother.

Dave, “Splash Clapp” was a sensation as captain of the swim team at Irvington high school. Drawn by the promise of cowboys and Indians, he began a lifelong love affair with the Rocky Mountains, studying at the University of Colorado (go Buffs) where he acquired a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Dave then joined the Air Force, eventually becoming a Captain. A chance trip to Ohio had Dave walk into a bar and meet beautiful, beguiling, Mary Ann Everly. After a whirlwind romance the two married in 1962. In 1963 son Mitchell David Clapp came along (Biloxi, Mississippi), 17 months later, daughter Dawn Marie (Chandler, Arizona 1964). During this time Dave procured a masters degree at Arizona State University (go Sun Devils), and a well earned PHD.

Dave’s first job was at Mt. Rainer National Park, then a professor at Florida Technological University (now UCF), worked for NIOSH, the CDC, and taught the first online course (project management) at Florida Institute of Technology. At home he taught his children how to fish, shoot BB guns (there was an unfortunate incident with a safety instruction and a bird), camping, swimming, our Indian Guide (now Y guides), sailing, hiking, skiing, how to drive, how to change a tire, check and change oil in a car, and so much more.

December 1983 son Mitch died, turning the light off. Dave met Father Tom (Monastery of the Holy Spirit), who introduced the Catholic faith, a buoy that turned Dave back to the sun.

In 1995, Eric Schreiner came into Dave’s life, a beloved son-in-law. In 1997 with great joy, and love, Dave met granddaughter Elena Marie. 2002 brought Toby William, glorious, treasured grandson. Eric’s family, dad Chuck, mom Jan, brothers Dave (Kristin), Mike (Amy, Henry, Sam, Lily), enriched Dave’s life immeasurably.

He retired in 2022, and was a YMCA gym rat, spending most afternoons on the weight circuit and treadmill, drinking coffee and making friends with anyone in his vicinity.

Dave’s family has a wealth of memories. The way light plays on a lake, the purr of a kitten, the wind on our faces, how we enjoy a good meal, or giggle at a ridiculous joke. Dave shared with us a love of travel, the majesty of the mountains. He gave us New Smyrna Beach, a respect for all of nature, a commitment to exercise, an endless curiosity of people and places. Mostly he gave us his time, his enormous love, stunning generosity, and many, many stories. We love you Dave, dad, grandpa, for all the rest of our days.

There will be a service to remember Dave’s life at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church on August 25, 2023 at 11 AM followed by a burial at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery with Military Honors at 2 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that a donation in Dave’s honor be made to:

St. Peter Claver Prison Ministry

PO Box 135 Ocoee, FL 34761

A Zelle account for direct donations to St. Peter Claver Prison Ministry has also been set up by the family, please use phone number 407-467-7764.