David John Peloza aged 64 passed away in the early hours of Thursday August 15th after a courageous 17 month battle with cancer at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with his “Margie Hanna” by his side. He faced this battle with determination, a positive attitude and always maintained his great sense of humour.
David was born on June 29, 1960 in Port Arthur, the second of four boys to John and Emily Peloza. He spent his childhood years on Prospect Avenue surrounded by many friends and spent much time with his Shubat and Domenick cousins. He attended Prospect Ave School and graduated from Hillcrest High school.
After high school and one frigid winter working at the Shipyards, he took our dad up on his offer to “ give you $20 and a ride to the city limits.” He headed West and began his 40-year journey away from Thunder Bay. He Initially worked at the Banff Springs Hotel and then headed to Vancouver. He then hitchhiked down the US West Coast eventually stopping in Tucson Arizona where a brief layover turned into a 10-year stay. It was here that he met his first wife Susan and together they managed and then owned Bel-Air Stables where he developed his riding ability and life long love of horses.
After his marriage ended in 1988, he left Tucson and relocated to New York City. He began a career there as a legal videographer. He was involved in many high profile cases in New York City, and as far away as Hong Kong and Frankfurt. His passion for horses also led him to work part-time at New York’s Claremont Riding Academy where you taught Equestrian Riding. He loved his trail rides in Central Park. His horsemanship talents also led him to a variety of roles in productions at the famed Metropolitan Opera and even one small role on As The World Turns. He was the consummate tour guide and loved when friends and family visited Manhattan and was always happy to show them the real New York and to avoid the tourist traps.
As much as he loved New York City he always looked forward to visits home to Thunder Bay. This was especially true after 911 when he spent every anniversary at home away from New York City. He loved to spend Labour Day weekend annually with the Gerow family on Magnet Island surrounded by many dear friends.
In 2016 he returned to Thunder Bay for good. He worked for a brief period at the 55 Plus Centre and Safety Net Security. He then secured a full-time job at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School in the Maintenance Department until his cancer diagnosis in March of 2023.
David was always sincere and true to himself and he lived his life unapologetically which made him friends wherever he went. He was known for his crazy, sometimes inappropriate sense of humour and endless funny sayings and stories. He had a knack for making sure everyone was having a good time, often slipping away from gatherings with his signature “Irish Goodbye.”
Dave loved taking a ridiculous amount of photos and videos on his phone documenting all of his life experiences. He enjoyed watching old movies, historical documentaries and murder mystery television shows. He was always up to go “thrifting” and never failed to come home with more t-shirts, jackets, artwork, knicknacks, tchotchkes or curios to add to his eclectic collection or to giveaway to family and friends.
While not a huge sports fan, he did enjoy NASCAR races and horse racing, especially the Triple Crown where he personally attended the Belmont Stakes on numerous occasions. He also loved his New York Rangers and for many frustrating years attended many Jets games at Met Life Stadium with his dear friend Nerio Deleon.
He touched so many lives and will be missed by everyone who knew him. His memory will forever be a part of us.
He is survived by his “Margie Hanna”, his parents John and Milly, brothers Greg and Sandra(John, Ivana) , Bill and Ingrid(Michael), Andy and Brenda(AJ & My-Tien, Madison & Pierre, great niece Piper). He will also be dearly missed by his close cousins from the Shubat and Domenick families and many cousins in Cleveland and Croatia.
He was also greatly loved by Margie’s family, sons Dylan and Amanda Gerow (and their children Riley, Brooke and Carli who loved their “Dafe” immensely), Duran Gerow and his partner Meghan Krys, and Margie’s sister Tracey and Owen Marks and their daughter Victoria(Owen, Maddie) and son O.J and partner Suzanne(Gabrielle). He will also be missed by his furry companions Carey and Gus.
He also leaves behind best friends, Tom and Kelly Gerow, Rick Morgan, Tom Terlosky and many others too numerous to mention, but you know who you are and your friendships meant everything to him.
He was predeceased by his grandparents, dear uncles and aunts, Bill and Amy Shubat, Al and Jackie Domenick, Zivko Peloza, Joe Peloza, Marica Dodic and many cousins.
We would also like to thank all the medical professionals involved with Dave’s treatment and care: Doctors Ibrahim and Haggarty, Sellick and all of the chemo nurses at the Cancer Centre, Dr. Lubbers and Ward and the Oncology nurses on 1A in his final days(Hannah, Kristen ,Mary, Juliette, Leah and Emily ) as well as Dr. “Nick” in the ER Dept.
Thank you to the many family and friends who supported Dave, Margie and our families along his cancer journey with friendship and memorable visits. Dave appreciated everyone one of them. We also so touched by the outpouring of love, support, messages, phone calls, cards, visits, flowers, baking and food sent to our families since his passing.
Cremation has taken place and as per Dave’s wishes no service will be held. A Drop-In Celebration of Life will take place on September 15, 2024 at the Branch 5 Legion on Van Norman St from 1-5 p.m. Open words of remembrance will take place at 2 p.m. Please join us in celebrating David’s remarkable life and honouring his memory.
A private interment will take place with the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory can be made to any local Dog Rescue Organization, Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association or the Dew Drop Inn at St. Andrew’s Church.
And as Dave would always say “Who loves ya baby”
