David Louis DeWitt's Obituary
David Louis DeWitt, age 57, of Gainesville, Florida, passed away on June 23, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
David was born on November 23, 1968, in Miami, Florida, to Caron and Robert DeWitt. He graduated from Miami Norland Senior High School in 1986.
David proudly served in the United States Air Force from June 1990 to August 1993, attaining the rank of Senior Airman. As a Mental Health Specialist at Eglin Air Force Base, he cared for others with the same kindness, steadiness, and compassion that would define him throughout his life. He was recognized for his meritorious service. David went on to earn a degree in Nursing from the University of Central Florida.
David spent a fulfilling 30-year career as a Pediatric ICU Nurse. In the PICU, David was far more than an exceptional nurse. He was a trusted sounding board, a gifted teacher and preceptor, a steady advocate, and the person who could bring a needed laugh into even the hardest day. He welcomed student nurses, took them under his wing, and helped shape the nurses they would become through his patience, wisdom, and compassion. David had a remarkable way of making children and families feel safe during frightening moments. Whether he was dressing in costume, wearing a silly wig, or patiently allowing a child to paint his nails and do his makeup, he found ways to bring lightness and joy into difficult circumstances. He educated parents with care, supported families through devastating news, and advocated fiercely for the children entrusted to him. His coworkers were deeply important to him and became family over the years. To many in the PICU, David was a foundational thread in its tapestry: a dependable friend, an encouraging mentor, and a constant reminder of what mattered most - the children and their families.
A lifelong Miami sports fan, David never missed a chance to cheer on the Miami Dolphins and Miami Hurricanes. He loved learning about history, reading comic books, and watching movies in theater.
Above all, David’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was being a dad to his two daughters. He was the kind of dad who never missed a chance to show up - whether that meant taking them on after-school adventures, chaperoning every field trip, or using his days off to sit with them at lunch from elementary school through high school. He was fiercely proud of Jordan and Jamie, endlessly supportive of their dreams, and always ready with love, laughter, honest advice, and a listening ear. David welcomed their friends with that same wholehearted love. He made them feel included, protected, and part of the family. His girls knew, without question, that they were deeply cherished, believed in, and loved beyond measure. He will be remembered as the ultimate girl dad.
David is survived by his daughters, Jordan (Nathan Koons) and Jamie, whom he shared with his former wife, Cheryl Briner, mother-in-law, Dianne Rowley, and sister, Robin DeWitt. David was preceded in death by his parents, Caron and Robert DeWitt, his lifelong best friend, Elliot J. Matregrano, and father-in-law, Russell Rowley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Faithful Friends Pet Rescue & Rehoming in David’s memory. David adopted his beloved pets, Tess and Benny, through the organization.
https://faithfulfriendsrescue.org/
A Celebration of Life honoring David will be held on July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Williams-Thomas Funeral Homes, located at 823 NW 143rd St., Newberry, FL 32669. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of his service in the United States Air Force.
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