David Defer
1955 - 2025
William David DeFer, III, passed away on September 29, 2025, in
Phoenix, AZ at the age of 69. He was born November 21, 1955 in Tucson,
AZ. Dave was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn DeFer, by his
father, William David DeFer Jr., and by his brother, William Carl DeFer.
David is survived by this loving wife of 47 years, Cynthia Lincoln DeFer,
by his children, William David DeFer, IV, (wife Melissa), Lincoln DeFer,
Kaylee DeFer Fitzpatrick (husband Michael), and by his brother, Mark
Lynn DeFer (wife Stephanie). David was blessed with five grandsons which
are: Willam David DeFer, V (Liam), Bennett DeFer, Theodore Fitzpatrick,
Sebastian Fitzpatrick , and Remy Fitzpatrick , not to mention nine
nieces and nephews.
David was a graduate of Catalina High School, where he excelled as a
swimmer and member of the debate team and of the University of Arizona
where he majored in Speech and Communications with a minor in Labor and
Economics. He was a member of the Traditions Men's Club and Phi Gamma
Delta fraternity.
David began his career building customs home and apartments in Tucson
and the Phoenix area. He created and founded a uniquely successful
non-profit, low-cost housing facility in Tucson called, "INN and UP".
Because of his love of nautical and historical fiction, David created
and operated Serenas del Mar, a one-of-a-kind non-profit program that
integrated English and Marine Biology which required students to live
aboard "Leona June" for two weeks in San Diego. He delighted helping men
get started in business ventures in Kenya and traveling to Thailand to
help with a church.
David enjoyed making memories doing science experiments and hanging out
in San Diego with his five grandsons whom they called "Mo". He will be
sorely missed but we all know we will see him again.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to Desert Christian Schools or Pusch
Ridge Christian Academy.
A celebration of life will take place at Catalina Foothills Church on
November 15 at 10 a.m. Address: 2150 E. Orange Grove Rd. Tucson, AZ
85718. Reception following.
Source:
Arizona Daily Star
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