WILMINGTON — David Wayne Pelizzari, aged 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Hampstead NC on Saturday June 1, 2024.
David leaves behind his loving wife of 40 years Jean Gray Pelizzari; his daughter Angela Pelizzari Suggs; Angela’s mother Joan Davis Pelizzari; sister Wanda Paulette Pelizzari; his beloved Yorkie, Reva; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends.
Born in 1946 to the late Angelo and Lillian Clautie Pelizzari in LaFollette TN, his family moved to Garland NC during his high school years. David graduated from Union High School in Sampson County NC with the class of 1965 and then graduated from Fayetteville Community College in 1967. It was in 1967 that David found his true love and passion: music. While working at Roseboro Ford in the parts department during the day, he was the drummer in The Goldtones Band at night. He would be the band’s drummer and lead singer from 1975 until the ending of the trio in 1984. He was a self taught drummer who had natural rhythm and a beautiful singing voice. He made many lifelong friends during his years playing music.
In 1985 David began working at LaFayette Ford in Fayetteville NC where he would become the Parts Department Manager until his retirement. After living in Sunset Harbor NC for a number of years, David and Jean packed up their 5th wheel camper and traveled the US before settling back in his beloved Tennessee mountains in Pigeon Forge. David was an active member of Wears Valley Baptist Church where he served in the choir as well as a Deacon. His church family was very important to him and he was so honored to sing in the choir every Sunday that he could. David loved to travel and meet people and to have a conversation with a total stranger was a treat to him. His personality was as large as he was and his smile
was infectious.
He will be missed by all. To meet him was a pleasure; to know him was to love him; to love him was an honor.
The family would like to thank Andrews Mortuary in Wilmington NC for their compassion and support. Arrangements for Celebration of Life services will be made at a later date.
Anyone that would like to honor David’s memory, please make a donation in his name to Wears Valley Baptist Church 3584 Wears Valley Rd Sevierville TN 37862.
