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Alphonso “Jack” Laurence “Red Eagle” David, a native of Quiogue, died on May 2, 2017, about two months before his 79th birthday.
Born on June 26, 1938, in Manhattan, he was the son of Alphonso L. David Jr. and Elnora B. David. He attended Westhampton Beach High School, graduating in 1958, and then enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving 20 years and a day. He served the Air Force during the Vietnam War with distinction and received several meritorious service awards and commendations. He was stationed during the course of his service in Japan, New Mexico, Thailand, South Korea, South Dakota, Turkey and New York. His duties in the Air Force were primarily administrative in nature and encompassed wide range of responsibilities. At Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, New York, he was in charge of the Honor Guard for the entire state of New York. After his retirement from the United States Air Force, he ran a couple of haberdasheries in New York City for a few years.
He also worked at Seafield Center, an alcohol and drug rehabilitation facility in Westhampton Beach for several years, where he was in charge of maintenance and was the fire safety officer. Survivors said that he had been told by the fire safety inspectors that he was one of the best fire safety officers in the entire state of New York.
Mr. David and his wife, Yvonne, relocated to Phoenix, Arizona in September, 1989, due to his health and to raise their two nieces, Shakhia Dildy and Tenika Lassiter Daugherty, and one nephew, Kyle Dildy. In 2005, they moved to Chandler, Arizona, and eventually joined Compass Christian Church where they were faithful members.
From 2008 until January 2017, Mr. and Mrs. David were part of United for Change, which feeds homeless veterans monthly and raises donations for the yearly Stand Down conducted in Phoenix. Mr. David accompanied his wife to the monthly meetings. Since he was in a power wheelchair and had little use of his hands, his contribution was chatting and dining with the veterans; his caring and fun personality had a wonderful impact and they always looked forward to seeing him, survivors said.
Mr. David was known as being kind, generous and empathetic toward all who knew him and he never complained about anything, survivors said.
Mr. David is survived by his wife of 36 years, Yvonne Strickland; brothers, Kenneth, Paul and wife Theresa, John, Gary and wife Sandra and Spencer; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.
on May 8, 2017