I think when we look back, Dave will have led one of the more interesting of lives:
- In Rio meeting the ex-President of Brazil and getting Frank to go meet him too by knocking on his door (from FLL bio in progress)
- In Rio swimming across the bay until no one could see him and almost drowning - Living in Malasia, Beirut, Bankok, Singapore, Brazil, Venezuala and traveling to so many exotic places
- Being a sailor (catamaran in Naples)
- Musician - Can pick up a guitar, play the piano and create a party at a drop of a hat - A hostage in a bank in Beirut
- Excellent grasp of languages - Spanish, Portuguese and likely more
I will always remember my Uncle Dave for being considerate, gregarious and legendary in his story-telling. We shared many moments. My earliest memories were in Naples at his father's condo (my grandfather James A. Long). Once, when I was about 14 years old, Dave pulled me aside by the bar in the living room and told me that I needed to experience all types of women when I get older.
Here are a couple of my favorite moments I'd like to share with you all….
When I was 16 and in Naples for a family vacation, Dave took me to a seedy bar thinking I'd be his designated driver. I snuck some beers and shot pool late into the night. Dave was an excellent pool player. I wasn't too bad and had my own cue back home in CT. After beating each other a few times, we teamed-up to beat the locals.
Dave was so proud of his nephew…and I was just happy to drink under age with my cool Uncle. I drove home us both home that night.
Dave also took me to Venezuela to stay with Dulfa's family. Regardless of keeping me up with his snoring, I watched with amazement as he warmed up a room with a guitar and some dirty jokes (in Spanish).
I had heard of his earlier years jet-setting on expense accounts internationally and enjoying the finer things. The Dave I got to know, didn't care about material things. He enjoyed family, friends, cheap cold beer and song...and an ocassional pack of smokes.
In the spirit of his late Uncle Lewis Long (which he shares his middle name), Dave was always willing to push the envelope with conversation and offer a dirty joke or a story that made some blush, but everyone lean-in to hear more.
RIP Uncle Dave
- Bill Long (Irving, Texas)
