David R. Acquaotta, 69, beloved husband of thirty-seven years to Jane (Steffin) Acquaotta, of Lakewood, CO, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family and friends on September 5, 2022. Dave was born December 5, 1952 in Hartford, CT, the eldest of 6 children to Claire (Dauphinais) and the late Raymond J. Acquaotta of Windsor Locks, CT. Dave was active in the Boy Scouts from age 10 throughout high school serving in leadership positions and attaining the rank of Life Scout, while running cross country at Northwest Catholic High School and working a part time job. A graduate of Northwest Catholic High School, class of 1970, Dave attended the University of Hartford and then ECSU graduating in the class of 1975 with a degree in Education. Shortly after, Dave moved to Denver, CO where he had reconnected with a scouting buddy. With teaching jobs scarce, Dave took a temporary position as a driver for United Parcel Service, later accepting a permanent route in Cherry Creek. He developed many friendships among fellow employees, as well as with shop workers and owners along his route. Dave received several awards while with UPS including the prestigious Golden Circle Award for 25 years of accident-free driving. He also received multiple awards for most sales leads, and the distinction of (with thanks to the ambitious meter maid that followed his truck) the most parking tickets in one day. Dave remained with UPS for thirty-six years before retiring.
Living in Colorado, skiing became a lifelong passion which Dave shared with Jane and his daughters. He became a master skier. His favorite slopes were at Loveland and Jackson Hole where he attained recognition of the highest lifetime accomplishment as one of an elite group to ski two million vertical feet. Dave also took wine classes in hopes of becoming a wine connoisseur and dance classes for Jane. He loved to cook, read, and Oreos. In addition to skiing, he and Jane spent vacations camping with their girls in their 1978 VW Vanagan, as well as trips to the Oregon, Connecticut and Rhode Island shores with extended family, always with a soft spot in his heart for East Beach Rhode Island. In retirement they enjoyed trips to the Caribbean Islands and Europe with friends. Above all Dave was a true family man who would do anything for his family. He was very kind, patient, humble, and loving, and was a good friend who could always be called upon.
Aside from his wife Jane, Dave is survived by his two daughters, Christina and Abby Acquaotta, his mother Claire, and his siblings Anne Biancamano (Greg Wentworth), Mark Acquaotta, Robert Acquaotta, Mary Elizabeth (Steven) Rozman, and Greg (Lynda) Acquaotta. Sisters-in-law Susan (Bruce) Lipien and Peggy (Fred) Yahrmatter. Seven nieces and nephews, and five grand nieces and nephews, and his cherished friends Terry Abell and Nancy Robertson.
A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Dave’s life will be held Saturday, December 3rd at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, 42 Spring St, Windsor Locks, Ct, 06096. Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to Special Olympics Connecticut, 2666 State Street, Suite #1, Hamden CT, 06517