David Thomas Gaeta, 58, of Cuba, New York, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2024 at Olean General Hospital after a lengthy illness.
He was born September 15, 1966, in Cuba a son of John “Jack” and June (Rose) Gaeta.
Dave was a graduate of Cuba Central School Class of 1984. While in high school he played basketball and the trumpet in Marching Band. After graduation he attended JCC where he earned an Associates Degree in Business Administration.
He was previously employed in various places in the Southern Tier. In February of 2023, he started his dream job as the Athletic Coordinator for the ARC Allegany-Steuben Special Olympics. His passion for each and every athlete shined through in all he did.
Whenever asked, “What do you know?” he would instantly respond “Music and Sports.” You could always find him chatting with someone about a game or band. He was an absolute fan of the Toronto Blue Jays, Bonnies, and Buffalo Bills. When it came to music, he had such a love for Squeeze, Queen, and The Beatles. Dave’s passion for music was clearly evident by the multitude of bands he played with, but was most known for Channel Six with his friends John Grey and Toby Lindberg. Dave always supported local musicians and saw the good in everyone, always supporting others dreams and passions.
He was a member of the Franklinville Fastpitch for over 44 years and during that time his team won numerous championships since 2010 and had 400 career wins. He considered by his fastpitch team the “Gators” his family and he loved everyone on the team like brothers or sons. Throughout the league he found it possible to support everyone regardless of the team they were on.
Dave had a generous heart and was great example of what a loving and caring person should be. He always had smile, a great sense of humor, and love and kindness for others. He was proud to be from Cuba and had a tremendous love for the community.
He was the proud father of his beautiful, crazy, talented daughter Mackenna (Fey) of Buffalo, and his biggest dream was to see her happy! He would often talk of their father-daughter dates and the special spot they held in his heart.
He is also survived by his life partner, and greatest fan of his life Tina Smith of Cuba; Two brothers Paul (Vicky) Gaeta of Cuba and Mark Gaeta of Scio; three sisters Christina (Jose Mazon) of Cuba, Debra Gaeta of Cuba and Pamela (Thomas) Burch of Friendship; 9 Nieces and Nephews, several great nieces and great nephews, including Griffin Burch whom he adored dearly and considered his up-and-coming drummer boy; His life long best friend Jim Burdick of Cuba; Mother-in-law Joan Harman of Florida and his fur babies Elijah Joe, Greysee Anne, and Sydney Marie.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Andrew Gaeta and a sister-in-law Rose Gaeta.
Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 9 Bull Street, Cuba on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M.
Memorials may be made to the Marie Lorenz Dialysis Center, 623 Main Street, Olean, New York 14727 or to the Allegany-Steuben ARC Special Olympics, 50 Farnum Street, Wellsville, New York 14895.
Dave wishes to extend love and respect to the nurses and staff at the dialysis center who were his life line for seven years at his “Part-time job with full time benefits”.
Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.