David Charles Halstead

David Charles Halstead, beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend, passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at the age of 86, surrounded by the family he cherished.

Born and raised in Rochester, New York, David was the eldest of five siblings, a role he took to heart even if "keeping out of trouble" was never quite his strong suit. From a young age, Dave approached life with a sense of adventure and a mischievous streak that was impossible not to love, once famously bringing his pet monkey to school in what surely made for an unforgettable day for his classmates and teachers alike.

After a brief enrollment with the United States Air Force in 1959, Dave worked many odd jobs over the years. However, his most remarkable chapter came as a freelance Deep Salvage Diver where he helped raise barges and other vessels from the depths of the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. It was the kind of work that demanded fortitude, grit, and skill, all of which Dave had in abundance.

Dave was introduced to his future wife Bonnie Scopa by his mother, who happened to be a hairdressing client of Bonnie's. This meeting led to their marriage on July 27, 1968, a union that lasted for the rest of their lives.

In his later years, Dave and his wife Bonnie loved travelling in his RV, exploring the length and breadth of America. Whether he was searching for gold in the Arizona desert or visiting Mount Rushmore, Dave was never one to sit still for long. But his favorite destination was always the same: visiting his brother Jon and his family with Bonnie by his side. Dave was like a second father to his niece Angela and nephew Sean, and the bond they shared was one of the great joys of his life.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie Halstead (née Scopa), his parents Raymond and Jessie Halstead (née Lancaster), and his brothers, Carl and Bruce Halstead, all of whom he now rejoins.

He is survived by his brother Jon Halstead (Joan); his niece Angela Gazzara (Matthew) and their children, Benjamin and Eliana Gazzara; his nephew Sean Halstead; and many other beloved nieces and nephews who will carry his memory forward. He is also survived by his sister Gail Maybee.

A memorial service and interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester, NY will be held at a later date, to be determined.

David lived on his own terms - boldly, curiously, and with a spirit of adventure that never dimmed. He will be deeply missed by all who had good fortune of knowing him.