David M Felix, age 67, beloved family man of faith, was larger than life to the many people whose lives he touched. He passed away on Saturday, August 3, 2024, after a courageous fight against cancer. His final moments were at his home in Dunnellon, Fl, surrounded by his family.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Dave (as he was affectionately known) was born Dec. 8, 1956, to the late David Felix and Esther Felix (nee Fontanez). He was educated in the NYC public school system, graduating from John Jay HS. He attended John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of NY.
Dave was an all-around good guy with a smile that would light up a room. With his trademark full mustache (only Tom Selleck’s could compete) and dry sense of humor, he was great at making people laugh. In a word, he was dedicated – a cop’s cop and a fine, faith-filled father, as well as a mentor to his nieces, nephews and their children. You could count on his always “having your six”.
Dave’s commitment to law enforcement began when he entered the NYPD academy in 1981 and soon rose through the ranks, working undercover as part of Brooklyn South Narcotics, the 71st precinct, the 72nd precinct, becoming a homicide detective in Manhattan South and then a vice squad detective in Brooklyn South/Staten Island. He retired as a sergeant in early 2001. After the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center, he returned to serve at Ground Zero on “the pile”.
Dave met his wife Sara, at the Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn, where they both worked and were connected by family and friends who also worked there. They dated, fell in love, and the rest is history.
Dave fully embodied the role of elder, in that he had shepherded, led, and mentored as he lived and shared his faith. As Elder David of SonRise Faith Church of Staten Island, NY for many years, Dave touched the lives of all who crossed his path. He continued that ministry at Grandview church in Dunnellon, FL, where he relocated about 15 years ago. Dave had a great impact on many people, imparting his faith and continuing to serve the Lord.
In his spare time, Dave collected historic newspapers, enjoyed going to estate sales and antiquing, and was a diehard NY Yankees fan. He had a love for the written word from the time he was a child and enjoyed writing essays and journaling.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Sara (nee Nunez); his daughter, Eraina Felix; and son, David Matthew Felix; his sisters Laura J. Felix of Binghamton, NY; and Rebecca A. Felix of Keyport, NJ; as well as his nieces and nephews: Alexander Castellanos (Spain), Melissa Johnson (NJ), Luke Castellanos (OH), Laura McGregor (nee Castellanos) (OH), Rosalind Johnson (NJ); and 13 great-nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, David Felix and Esther Felix (nee Fontanez) of Scranton, PA.