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David Zale, of Highland, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in his 61st year. He was born in Gary, Indiana to Gloria and (late) Daniel Zale, and was a life-long resident of the region. Dave was an immensely talented person in many fields and loved to share his talent with everyone. He attended art school in Illinois, loved to paint and cook, and was an amazing bass guitar player. He was a loyal friend – warm, generous and funny, and everything he did was out of love for his family and friends.
David is survived by his beloved mother, Gloria; his brother, Doug (Jennie) Zale; sister, Julie (Art) Snow; dear nieces and nephews: Danielle (Nick) Payne, Peter (Sara) Zale, John (Catarina) Zale, Christian (Meagan) Snow, Hayden (Sinclair) Buntin, and Olivia Snow; 6 great nieces and nephews; his best furry friend, Bingo; and many, many loving friends and extended family.
His humor and friendship will be greatly missed and he will be fondly remembered by all who were blessed to have known him.
A memorial service for David will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at First United Methodist Church (352 S Main St, Crown Point, IN 46307). Pastor Mark Wilkins officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to South Shore Arts (1040 Ridge Rd, Munster, IN 46321 or online at https://www.southshoreartsonline.org/)
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I was shocked and saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. I went to school with him from elementary through high school in Merrillville. I will always remember him as the cool guy in a band and a talented artist. I would see him at the Highschool reunions, he always had a big smile and a hug. I hope he is reunited with his family and friend John. My thought and prayers are with his family.
Dave was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known. He would love when I would can jams and jellies and peppers and anything else I was in the mood to can. Always grateful when I would hand deliver. He’d share recipes and his thoughts on life. We didn’t agree all the time but it didn’t stop our friendship. I will miss you and will miss your light that was always shining.
Zalesman!
My deepest condolences to the whole Zale family. My Brother John and David were close friends. Growing up David was always over the house and I loved him like a brother. I always thought he had the best smile I ever saw. I remember once I turned 21 my brother would take me out with his friends to watch David play. I’m sure they are together again cooking, playing, and joking around like they always did. God bless you all at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Diane Favretto-Nguyen
David will always be a ray of sunshine ; I respected Dave’s talent as we grew up I know Dave shared his talents with many
We love his recipe shares and his art when we were kids always was so magical
Thank you Dave for making me smile when we chatted you will be missed
I met David about 55 years ago at Fieler Elementary. He was just the friendliest person you could know. He had a great sense of humor and I admired how talented he was with art and music. We had a class reunion about 5 years ago or more and we sat across the table from each other. We had the opportunity to catch up and I had a great time seeing him. If you couldn’t get along with Dave, you couldn’t get along with anybody! Prayers and sympathy for the whole family and his close friends. Have fun playing at the Big Gig in the Sky Dave!
Dave was a great guy, very generous, & helping, R.I.P. MY Friend
We are sorry for the loss of David. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Zale family.
My jaw dropped when I saw the post that Dave Zale is no longer with us. I went to high school and art school with David. He was such a talented artist. I was always amazed at his work. Dave knew no strangers and loved everyone he met. Even if he just met you, he’d offer to cook for you. He was an all around Nice Guy. Gone too soon. I’ll miss working on Sets with you, Dave. RIP Dear Friend.
Gloria,Doug & Julie
Sending our deepest condolences to all of you on the passing of your son & brother. I was shocked to hear on facebook of Dave’s passing,we were cousins (from my dads side) and we both also attended Merrillville High School. He will be missed. May God usher in peace and comfort for you and your family. And may you feel his light shine down from Heaven on you forever. RIP cuz.
Denise Brzek
David Zale with the bigger than life smile!! Whenever I think of you it makes me smile ! I will never forget camping at the beach with all the salon people. So fun and so many laughs! Also , you singing the camp song at my wedding, and LaBamba with Chlela is forever one of my favorite memories! Such a talented, amazing man . Love and prayers to all of the Zale family!
Rest easy my dear friend. Some of the best times in my life were spent with you. May God bless you and may you always have a southern breeze in your sails . Until we meet again……,,,
Safe travels, my classmate.
My daughter hannah
Will be there waiting, and she will give you a big hug. Then she will say let me , show you all the cool places
In Heaven…
The Bailey family..
_/\_
I was very shocked to find out Dave had passed away. I live in Florida and just found out. I went to high school with Dave and enjoyed watching him play guitar .Still remember going to see him play in the band Passage. I am sending my condolenses to all family and friends.
Hey bud. May hid rest your soul and may you have peace . I hope you remember all the stupid fun we had along our journey. If there is a way to think when you are in heaven, please remember me , and the times we took Zap to Gino’s Liquors and you had me sing “A Spoon Full of Sugar” from Mary Poppins. I love you.