Obituary for David Nixa
There is never a good time to say goodbye. Whether we know death is approaching, or the loss is sudden and unexpected - it still takes our breath away and there’s nothing to do but grieve.
David (Dave) Alan Nixa, born April 8, 1947, passed away suddenly, Monday, June 19.
Just last week, Dave traveled across the country to Idaho, where he spent time celebrating the high school graduation of his first grandchild, Parker, alongside two of his daughters who live out West, Courtney and Kate.
Over the weekend, Dave played golf with his oldest child, Kirsten, who was visiting from Florida ahead of a work trip. Dave also enjoyed a visit from his only son, Josh, on Sunday for Father’s Day.
And the evening before - as he had done every night for the past 54 years - Dave said, “I love you,” to his wife, Jill, to which she returned the same sentiment. Their last words to each other a simple, sweet good-night exchange shared between soulmates and best friends.
We grieve, yes, but we are grateful for these memories - moments we didn’t know were final while we were making them, which is a blessing unto its own.
Dave, born in Rochester, Minnesota, grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, as one of 10 children. As with many men of his generation, he did not speak much of his time serving in Vietnam, but he was a brave man during a very unpopular war. As a U.S. Marine in the Tet Offensive, Dave’s two Purple Hearts speak volumes for the sacrifices he made of himself and for our country.
Dave was a loving and patient husband, and a caring, compassionate and flexible father. He met Jill Sampson in Alexandria, Virginia, while stationed at Quantico, and the two were married on November 29, 1969. The couple has four children: Kirsten Sabia (Barry) - Atlantic Beach, Florida; Courtney Nixa - Hailey, Idaho; Kate Nixa (John Zivelonghi) - Pasadena, California; and Josh Nixa (Lena) - Oakham, Massachusetts; and two beautiful grandchildren, who loved their “Boppy,” Parker Boyd and Hudson Zivelonghi.
Dave was a broad and multi-dimensional corporate citizen and entrepreneur. He worked at The Hartford Insurance for 25 years and consulted in the business world up until his death.
Dave was a sincere and loving person as well as an involved community citizen. He and Jill were long-time residents of Simsbury and after many moves around the country, they recently returned home to Connecticut to reconnect with dear friends. Dave’s free time was spent playing golf at Simsbury Farms, and one of his joys in recent years has been his beloved dog, Emma, who will no doubt provide comfort to all who loved him during this difficult time.
Dave is predeceased by his parents Norbert and Jean Dauplais Nixa and his sister Jan Johnson. Surviving siblings include Sandra Gernhart, Kristine Brown, Nancy Gress, Steven Nixa, Joan Dean, Mark Nixa, Alan Nixa and Joseph Nixa.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards in Simsbury, Monday, June 26 at 11 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Granby Ambulance Association. Please visit Dave’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
David (Dave) Alan Nixa, born April 8, 1947, passed away suddenly, Monday, June 19.
Just last week, Dave traveled across the country to Idaho, where he spent time celebrating the high school graduation of his first grandchild, Parker, alongside two of his daughters who live out West, Courtney and Kate.
Over the weekend, Dave played golf with his oldest child, Kirsten, who was visiting from Florida ahead of a work trip. Dave also enjoyed a visit from his only son, Josh, on Sunday for Father’s Day.
And the evening before - as he had done every night for the past 54 years - Dave said, “I love you,” to his wife, Jill, to which she returned the same sentiment. Their last words to each other a simple, sweet good-night exchange shared between soulmates and best friends.
We grieve, yes, but we are grateful for these memories - moments we didn’t know were final while we were making them, which is a blessing unto its own.
Dave, born in Rochester, Minnesota, grew up in Sioux City, Iowa, as one of 10 children. As with many men of his generation, he did not speak much of his time serving in Vietnam, but he was a brave man during a very unpopular war. As a U.S. Marine in the Tet Offensive, Dave’s two Purple Hearts speak volumes for the sacrifices he made of himself and for our country.
Dave was a loving and patient husband, and a caring, compassionate and flexible father. He met Jill Sampson in Alexandria, Virginia, while stationed at Quantico, and the two were married on November 29, 1969. The couple has four children: Kirsten Sabia (Barry) - Atlantic Beach, Florida; Courtney Nixa - Hailey, Idaho; Kate Nixa (John Zivelonghi) - Pasadena, California; and Josh Nixa (Lena) - Oakham, Massachusetts; and two beautiful grandchildren, who loved their “Boppy,” Parker Boyd and Hudson Zivelonghi.
Dave was a broad and multi-dimensional corporate citizen and entrepreneur. He worked at The Hartford Insurance for 25 years and consulted in the business world up until his death.
Dave was a sincere and loving person as well as an involved community citizen. He and Jill were long-time residents of Simsbury and after many moves around the country, they recently returned home to Connecticut to reconnect with dear friends. Dave’s free time was spent playing golf at Simsbury Farms, and one of his joys in recent years has been his beloved dog, Emma, who will no doubt provide comfort to all who loved him during this difficult time.
Dave is predeceased by his parents Norbert and Jean Dauplais Nixa and his sister Jan Johnson. Surviving siblings include Sandra Gernhart, Kristine Brown, Nancy Gress, Steven Nixa, Joan Dean, Mark Nixa, Alan Nixa and Joseph Nixa.
A celebration of life gathering will be held at Rosedale Farms & Vineyards in Simsbury, Monday, June 26 at 11 a.m.. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Granby Ambulance Association. Please visit Dave’s Book of Memories at www.vincentfuneralhome.com