Dave hired me for my first job out of college at Textron Financial.  After a year spent in the back office, Dave moved me into a sales position.  I found my first deal in that first month and Dave guided me through what to do.   The company was called Ocsidot Printing run by a salty old italian guy named Frank Todisco (Ocsidot backwards). 

Dave wanted to go with me for my first closing and I will never forget what happened next.  Despite the fact that Frank had signed a proposal and given me a deposit, he notified Dave and I that he was not going to do the deal with me.  His banker had convinced him to use the bank instead and he didn't have the heart to tell me. 

Dave asked Frank if he was a man of his word.  Frank said he was.  Dave then asked me for my pen.  He held his arm out and put the pen an inch from Frank's nose.  He said that if you are a man of your word, you will sign the contracts.   Frank stared at the pen for 30 seconds and Dave didn't flinch.  Frank grabbed the pen and started signing.

I was in shock and awe.

Amazing salesmanship.  It's a story I tell often. Miss you Dave

I've been attempting to write for some time. Just before learning of David's death I was searching for my boyhood friend's location on the internet under the name of David Retallick and could not locate him.  I only wish that I used his fathers name to locate him because I was in Naples FL only 30 minutes away.  Perhaps after not seeing him for over 45 years we would have been able to spend some valuable time together.  Maybe some day we can reconnect and remember the days of playing baseball on Marcella Avenue in Pittsfield, MA fantasizing about being at Fenway Park and watching our hero Ted Williams hit.  
I think of David from time to time and find it hard to believe that he is no longer with us. Know even after all this time that I am very sorry that my old friend David Retallick is gone.  I'll always remember him fondley. 
Tim Carlo 
  

 

I, too, was a classmate of Dave's at Lenox. While we were not terribly close, I remember him as a good guy with a great sense of humor, as well as a determined athlete. My thoughts are with his family and friends.

I fondly remember David from Lenox School in the 1960s as well, and am also saddened to hear of his untimely death. Gotts, in Chagrin Falls OH.

I was a classmate of Davids at Lenox back in the 1960's. What a sad loss as he was a great guy and was always remembered by me for his classic line of "what's happening". My thoughts and prayers are with his family. Hem Merriman in Connecticut-

Original message left on May 18, 2012, at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/berkshire/guestbook.aspx?n=john-retallick&pid=157678705

So sorry to hear about Dave. He was a teammate of mine at the Pittsfield Boys Club and Lenox School. A good guy and tough as nails.

Carl Albano
Lenox School '67
UMass '71

I grew up with Dave and played ball with him on VFW baseball team. I heard David was trying to duplicate the recipe for the sauce at Teo's for their dogs... that brought a smile to my face! I think I share that title, MOR, with David!! A truely nice guy!

There are so many to share, David was my mentor when we worked together at Concord Commercial Corp. He introduced me to the "Alabama (Tequila) Slammer" at one of our many company parties at his home in Chester Springs. David lived life to the fullest and enjoyed himself in all he did. He taught me to value my knowledge and abilities and never under estimate myself. My sympathies to his family, I will continue to always remember all the good times. - Barbb "Jack" Watton (David always said my name should be "Jack")

Dave was my college roommate and closest friend at UMass for four years. I have many memories of unbelievable experiences during that time. We lost touch for a while and fortunately we reconnected. We had many long conversations about life and the Red Sox over the past few years. Also had the opportunity to attend a Sox game with Dave, his son, and me and my son. I will always remember that. I am still in shock, and I will miss J. David greatly. My sincere condolences to his family. He was great friend.

~ Eliot Hartstone
West Hartford, CT

Original message left on April 28, 2012 at:
http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dignitymemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=john-retallick&pid=157245614&page=2 

When we last talked I was so glad to hear the happiness in your voice about how things in your life were going. For the many years we knew each other, you were a great boss, mentor and friend. I can't tell you how many times I bring your name up in conversation recalling the many lessons learned. The fact that I can't reach out from time to time and talk to you makes me very sad. I take solace in knowing that you lived a great life and had a profound and positive effect on mine. May you rest in peace.

Thank you for being my friend

My family and I were extremely shocked and saddened to hear of Dave's sudden death. He was such a lively, fun-loving person, it's impossible to believe that he's gone. I'm so grateful that he retired early and enjoyed these last few years doing what he loved - playing golf and traveling. He was so very happy in his new Florida home taking advantage of the leisure time he truly deserved.
My deepest sympathy to Dar and Bob and his children. Your love and support, particularly in the last couple of years, meant everything to him.
May he find peace.

Although we did not know David personally and only met with him and his family about four times in our fifty years of marriage, we knew how much he was loved by his sweet sister, Darlene. Darlene often spoke of David and all of his accomplishments, which were awesome. 

When we were with David and his family at the wedding of his nephew Robbie to Kate, we could feel the love that he had for his own two sons, his daughter and his wife. We also felt the strong bonds of family love for sister Darlene, her husband Bob and neice Kiersten and her husband Pat and their three children.
David contributed so much to making this a better world for all. His children have felt his love and pride for them and they will carry on his legacy.

We are family, in that Darlene is our sister in law. We love all of you and are here for you in everyway and anyway that you may need us.

God Bless you all and may you have the strength to carry on. It is a sad time for everyone, especially when a person passes away at such a young life.

~ Elaine and Gordon Rondeau
Marietta, Georgia

Original message left on April 30, 2012 at
http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/dignitymemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=john-retallick&pid=157245614&page=2 

I was stunned to hear the news about David...as "lacrosse dads" we tried to help the L.O. team and encourage our sons. We travelled together on trips around Seattle and down to California (Sonoma area). I had not seen David in a few years, but can easily remember his great sounding laugh. He will be missed. I hope all three children are doing ok under the circumstances.

If I had a glass of wine in hand now I'd send a cheers to David, "we are thinking of you buddy."

We continue to send a message of love and of healing for the entire family of David and all whose hearts and minds he touched. We especially want to give an embrace of love to his sons John and Brett and to his daughter Summer. We also want to extend our heartfelt sympathy to his beloved sister Darlene, his brother-in-law Bob, and his neice Kiersten and her family of husband Pat, sons Sean, Matthew and Ryan and to his nephew Robbie and his wife Kate. We are sending a second candle in David's memory. Love, Elaine and Gordon

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I will remember David as forever young. The time I remember him most from is when he and I went to NYC with Bobby when we were in our teens. We went to the Empire State Building and I remember that we laughed a lot. I hope that David's life had plenty more laughter. I hope Dar and his family find comfort in memories and in their family and friends. We're here for you and we love you. Maryanne and Tom

~ Maryanne Rhoad, Skaneateles, New York
 
Original message left on May 2, 2012 at http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityMemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=john-retallick&pid=157245614  

David was my boss for eight years at Textron Financial. He was by far the best leader I ever had. He not only led us in business, but he led as people with a respect for each and everyone of us you just do not find these days. David was down to earth and knew when it was time to be serious and time to play. He always told us to work hard and play hard. David and his entire family made an impact on my life that I will never forget! My thoughts and prayers are with Cheryl, John, Brett and Summer as they work through the pain of their loss. Rest in Peace David and know that you are missed by many,


~ Jennifer Hutcheson, Newberg, Oregon

Original message left on May 6, 2012 at http://www.legacy.com/guestbook/DignityMemorial/guestbook.aspx?n=john-retallick&pid=157245614 

I have known David for over 8 years and the news of his passing prompted a great deal of reflection over the events I've shared with him and the Retallick Family. In the beginning, I thought he was intimidating because I saw him after work with a cigarette and coke on the deck to simmer down from a day of his notorious negotiations. As his son's girlfriend, he'd ask me the usual parent-ish questions, "How was school?" "Whatcha studying?" "Are you staying out of trouble?" and I'd give the usual school kid answers (i.e. change the subject or turn on ESPN in hopes that the Blazers or Red Sox were sufficiently diverting!) We started to have more in-depth conversations once we discovered each other's interest in politics, and the close of Bush's second season fueled our running commentary. The Democratic ticket for '08 made for many debates and David, ever the pragmatist, predicted the eventual outcome. Pretty soon we were swapping books, everything from old spy books to me stealing his brand new bestsellers, which I coincidentally suggested to him! Somewhere around then, David retired and I began to see a different side of him. His attention turned global and his feet began to itch. Much to my envy, he planned a trip to East Africa and he invited me into his adventure by sharing tidbits of his plans and research. As time went on, David morphed from a parent figure to a peer and friend. We'd cheer on Bret from the lacrosse sidelines, pop quiz each other on current events, and recount our travel tales over beers. We had many good times and a handful of crazies. What I will remember the most about David are the innumerable casual evening dinners where I felt so welcomed, like family. So David, thank you for welcoming me into your home for so many years, and raising a beautiful family that I am so privileged to feel a part of. During this time mourning it is a comfort to know you are watching over your three children, keeping them safe and chuckling at their shenanigans. Right now our tears are as fresh as our loss, but even with our sad hearts we can laugh while reminiscing about you, which is further proof of our shared joy. You will be greatly missed, and always in my heart.