DAVID RAUL DEL PIERO

BURLINGTON — David Raul Del Piero, age 63, of Burlington, Vt., passed away on March 11 after a courageous battle with cancer. Dave’s life was defined by love, friendship, and generosity towards others.

David was born on Aug. 15, 1961, in Oakland, Calif., to Mary (Mossman) Del Piero and Raul Del Piero. In his early years, the family moved to Cornwall, Vt., where Dave grew up. He graduated from Middlebury Union High School and went on to earn a degree from the University of Vermont. His love for all things mechanical was evident from a young age, starting with automobiles and eventually leading him to take up flying. Before finishing college, Dave took to the skies in a small Piper Warrior single-engine airplane, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for aviation.

After graduating, Dave’s enthusiasm for flying flourished as he embarked on a diverse and accomplished career in aviation. He began as a pilot with local commuter Bar Harbor Airlines and flew for major carriers including PanAm and Northwest Airlines; and flew as a captain for Leisure Air, USA 3000, EOS, and Qatar Airways. Over the years, Dave served as captain on numerous wide-body charter and private flights, transporting professional sports teams, celebrities, and royal families around the world.

When Dave wasn’t crossing the globe, he was hiking, skiing, or boating with friends and family. His love for architecture also led him to design and build beautiful, distinctive homes in Burlington and Waitsfield, including a cabin near Sugarbush where his family could enjoy skiing and entertaining visitors year-round. He loved the company of his numerous friends and family. Above all, Dave cherished the moments spent with his wife, daughter, and beloved canine companion, Rocket.

Dave was known for his warm smile, quick wit, and the joy he found in sharing a freshly poured espresso or beer with nearly anyone he met. He was always cheerful, supportive, and eager to lend a helping hand to friends and neighbors. Dave was a loving husband, a best friend, a loyal companion, and a devoted father who treasured every moment with his family.

Dave is survived by his wife, Heather Ferrell, and daughter, Abigail Del Piero, both of Burlington, VT; his brother, Paul Del Piero (Debbie) of Austin, Texas; and extended family members from the Curtis, Del Piero, Kenyon, and Mossman families, all of whom he cherished deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Christina.

A private burial will be held at the family plot at Woodside Cemetery in Westminster, Mass. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held at the family cabin in Waitsfield, Vt., this summer.

Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to the Makerspace program at Mater Christi School in Burlington, Vt.◊