David Richard Small

David Richard Small
July 19, 1935 - November 12, 2016

Dr. David R. Small of San Clemente passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family, on November 12, 2016 at the age of 81 years. Dave, the youngest of four boys, was born to John Richard Small and Louise Holly Small in Providence, R.I.

As a young boy, Dave became a life-long Cardinals baseball fan after spending summers in St. Louis with his aunt; he enthusiastically followed the team for over 65 years. His father, a metallurgist, moved the family from state to state while Dave was young, eventually settling the family to the Los Angeles area where Dave and his three brothers, John (known as Jack within the family), Edgar and Robert; spent nine years before Dave graduated from Inglewood H.S. in 1953. A basketball player in both high school and junior college, Dave also spent summers life-guarding at a neighborhood pool where several of his brothers also worked. He graduated from U.C.L.A in 1957. In 1958 he spent 6 months active duty in the U.S. Army and then 5 years in the Army Reserves. Dave was employed by the Los Angeles City School District as a secondary teacher in English and history when he met Jo Ann I. Harris, a music teacher at the same junior high school. The two were married in August, 1960 while Dave was attending night school at U.S.C. In 1961, he received his Master's Degree in School Administration and in 1963 Dave was honorably discharged from the Reserves as Staff Sergeant. That same year, the couple's first daughter, Alison Louise, was born in November. Their second daughter, Stacy Lee, arrived in March of 1965.

Dave and Jo Ann moved their young family to Merced, California, the same year that Dave was hired as Dean of Boys for Merced High School. Dave and Jo Ann spent 26 years in Merced, also home to his brother Dr. Robert Small and his family. In 1980 Dave earned his doctoral degree from La Verne University, while maintaining his loving attentiveness as committed husband and father, as well as involvement in many civic organizations including Lions, Kiwanis, and the Merced United Methodist Church. Over the years Dave also enjoyed greatly golf, tennis, backpacking and travel, loves that he passed along to his two daughters as well. While living in Merced, Dave's career positions included Assistant Superintendent, Merced Union High School District; Superintendent of Merced City Schools; and Vice President and Acting President of Merced College. Following his retirement in 1991, it wasn't a surprise when outdoor enthusiast Dave, relocated with Jo Ann, to Mariposa, California. The two had a home built near Yosemite National Park. There he served as a volunteer firefighter while still finding the time to teach evening classes at Merced College. After nine years of mountain living, the couple moved to San Clemente to be near their daughters, as well as Dave's two brothers, Jack and Ed, and their families. While living in San Clemente, Dave has served on the Staff Parish Relations and Finance committees, as well as lead usher, for St. Andrews Methodist Church.

Dave was appreciated by all who knew him as a loving, supportive and committed husband and father; capable and fair leader; and willing volunteer. He always had a twinkle in his eye, smile for all, kind and patient heart, and generous spirit. He consistently gave a 110% on any task to which he set his mind. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, father and two of his brothers, Jack and Ed. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jo Ann; his two daughters Alison and Stacy; brother Robert; granddaughters Julia and Grace; niece Cathy Trojnar mother to nephew Jesse; and nephew Jim Small. He will join his Father in Heaven and looks forward to throwing a ball once again for his beloved dogs, Honey and Suki.

A memorial service will be held at St. Andrew's by-the-Sea United Methodist Church, 2001 Calle Frontera, San Clemente 92673, on December 3rd at 11 a.m. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew's by-the-Sea United Methodist Church or the National Parkinson's Foundation.