David Wade Obetz
September 13, 1961- March 3, 2020
David Wade “Dave” Obetz, 58, of Chesapeake Beach passed away March 3, 2020. He was born September 13, 1961 in Trenton, NJ to Lawrence Wade, Jr. and Joann (Miller) Obetz. Dave spent 38 years serving in the United States Air Force, where he retired at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was a member of the New Jersey Air National Guard and was previously stationed on active duty at Andrew’s Air Force Base. He was the President of the Enlisted Association and received many commendations throughout his service. Dave was currently employed as a contractor for the Air Force as an Exercise Planner.
Dave was a loving husband and father. His greatest joys were his daughters, Emma and Olivia. He was so proud to watch them play soccer and loved watching Impractical Jokers and Survivor with Emma, and going to baseball games with Olivia. They took many family vacations to Disney World and to the beach. In the summer, he enjoyed going with his family to the local farmers market in North Beach. He loved watching sports and attending sporting events, especially the New York Jets and Mets. Dave also coached softball, basketball and soccer and loved playing with his dogs, Enzo and Evie.
He is survived by his wife, Lisa Sandra Obetz, daughters Emma Grace and Olivia Kate Obetz and a sister Patricia Stackhouse and husband Brian of Hamilton, NJ. Also surviving are brothers-in-law Bruce Salmestrelli of Trenton, NJ, Joe Salmestrelli and wife Jane of Sayre, PA, nieces Nicole Paparella of Burlington, NJ and Nadine Paparella of Long Branch, NJ, and nephews Joseph Salmestrelli of Hamilton, NJ and Eric Salmestrelli of Gresham, OR.
A Celebration of David’s life will take place at a later date. The information regarding services will appear here when it is available.
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Condolences
Sort Comments
17 Mar 2020
5:24pm
Lisa and daughters I am sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
My deepest sympathy
Kim gray
City
Ewing
State
Nj
17 Mar 2020
6:15pm
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Chief at NGB for ten years, and count him as one of the greatest influences on my military career. He was a true larger than life figure, and his actions will continue to influence me and many others for years to come.
City
Clarksville
State
Virginia
17 Mar 2020
6:19pm
We always enjoyed Dave. The love you all had was sweet. What a wonderful Dad to those wonderful daughters! Blessings to you.
City
North Beach
State
MD
17 Mar 2020
6:52pm
Lisa, Emma and Olivia,
A space in our heart seems to be void without Dave and it will be a long time for that space to be filled. The reason I said “seems to be void” is because although he is no longer physically with us, his memory, his compassion, his selfless service, his laughter…everything that made him who he was, is who you are. We can never replace him, but we can be the best versions of ourselves and display the piece of him he left among us. I’m thankful to have known Dave and I’m really going to miss him…he was a true friend. Blessings and comfort be with each of you until we see him again. Until then, Trust the LORD with all your heart. Lean not to your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Blessings and Love to each of you. On behalf of my family, we send our sincerest condolences. Please call upon us when the time is right for you. Blessings from the Randolph Family
City
Woodbridge
State
VA
17 Mar 2020
7:36pm
Dave was such an awesome father, Nathan really took to Dave and we enjoyed watching their relationship go from cautious to playful when it came to Emma and Nathan. We will cherish the times we shared with Dave and the entire Obetz family. He always had a smile on his face. Dave you will be missed and loved by all.
Angela, Nathan & Jacob
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
MD
17 Mar 2020
7:44pm
Our family is saddened by the loss of Dave. I knew him as “Chief Obetz“ while on active duty and I will be forever appreciative of the influence he had on my military career. He was a good friend and outstanding role model.
City
Warner Robins
State
Georgia
17 Mar 2020
9:21pm
My deepest condolences
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
Md
18 Mar 2020
5:21am
Dear Lisa, Emma and Olivia,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. His absence is leaving a hole which only the wonderful memories of him can fill. Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of meeting him. I am sending you my thoughts and many long distance hugs.
City
Berne
State
Switzerland
18 Mar 2020
3:48pm
Dear Lisa, Emma and Olivia
My heartfelt condolences to each of you during this very difficult time. Dave has been a very close friend of mine over the past 25+ years and I miss him very much. I have so many great memories of spending time with Dave, whether we were playing basketball or golf together, going to or watching a sports event together , or just talking on the phone or communicating regularly via text messages about any topic. He was someone that I really looked up to and he made a very positive influence on me in so many ways. He adored each of you and would always let me know that and keep me updated on family events. There is a void in my life without him but I will always remember Dave for being a great friend and cherish our memories together. Rest in peace my brother.
Love,
Jeff
City
Robbinsville
State
NJ
20 Mar 2020
9:38am
Lisa, Emma, and Olivia,
We are so very sorry to hear about David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elaina Apatoff and Marie Stines
City
Hamilton
State
NJ
22 Mar 2020
11:09pm
Lisa, Emma, and Olivia,
I am so saddened to hear of David’s passing. Please know that my family understands what you are going through, and we are here to offer emotional support should you need us. Praying for your comfort and peace.
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
Maryland
4 Apr 2020
12:59am
Shocked and saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. I served with him after he was activated and assigned to MacDill AFB, post 9/11. I was an active duty MSgt, then SMSgt at the time. He was a great guy and hard worker. He was tasked with overseeing all guard and reserve forces support, specifically activated troops sent to MacDill in support operations IRAQi and ENDURING freedom. We were getting hammered with significant manpower shortages and our unit (6th Security Forces Squadron) grew from approximately 120 personnel to 460, to support the wing, USCENTCOM, USSOCOM and the USAF’s first marine patrol. Despite very long work hours and little to no time off, Dave always had a positive can-do attitude and great sense of humor. We were both avid Met fans. I’m so sorry for your loss and please know that Dave certainly made a positive impact in our unit and our lives.
City
Tampa
State
FL
9 Apr 2020
12:50am
My most sincere condolences to the family for strength and healing. He was a great friend and great leader. May he rest in eternal Peace in the great parade grounds in heaven…
City
Orlando
State
Fl
11 Oct 2020
3:20pm
My deepest condolences to all the Obetz family on your loss. Dave was a friend of mine and a comrade in arms, as well. Such a kind and gentle man rarely does well in the military, but Dave was unique. His passing was too soon and he will be missed by more people than he would ever realize.
City
Okatie
State
SC
Sort Comments
Lisa and daughters I am sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and sending prayers.
My deepest sympathy
Kim gray
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Chief at NGB for ten years, and count him as one of the greatest influences on my military career. He was a true larger than life figure, and his actions will continue to influence me and many others for years to come.
We always enjoyed Dave. The love you all had was sweet. What a wonderful Dad to those wonderful daughters! Blessings to you.
Lisa, Emma and Olivia,
A space in our heart seems to be void without Dave and it will be a long time for that space to be filled. The reason I said “seems to be void” is because although he is no longer physically with us, his memory, his compassion, his selfless service, his laughter…everything that made him who he was, is who you are. We can never replace him, but we can be the best versions of ourselves and display the piece of him he left among us. I’m thankful to have known Dave and I’m really going to miss him…he was a true friend. Blessings and comfort be with each of you until we see him again. Until then, Trust the LORD with all your heart. Lean not to your own understanding and in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path. Blessings and Love to each of you. On behalf of my family, we send our sincerest condolences. Please call upon us when the time is right for you. Blessings from the Randolph Family
Dave was such an awesome father, Nathan really took to Dave and we enjoyed watching their relationship go from cautious to playful when it came to Emma and Nathan. We will cherish the times we shared with Dave and the entire Obetz family. He always had a smile on his face. Dave you will be missed and loved by all.
Angela, Nathan & Jacob
Our family is saddened by the loss of Dave. I knew him as “Chief Obetz“ while on active duty and I will be forever appreciative of the influence he had on my military career. He was a good friend and outstanding role model.
My deepest condolences
Dear Lisa, Emma and Olivia,
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. His absence is leaving a hole which only the wonderful memories of him can fill. Unfortunately, I have never had the pleasure of meeting him. I am sending you my thoughts and many long distance hugs.
Dear Lisa, Emma and Olivia
My heartfelt condolences to each of you during this very difficult time. Dave has been a very close friend of mine over the past 25+ years and I miss him very much. I have so many great memories of spending time with Dave, whether we were playing basketball or golf together, going to or watching a sports event together , or just talking on the phone or communicating regularly via text messages about any topic. He was someone that I really looked up to and he made a very positive influence on me in so many ways. He adored each of you and would always let me know that and keep me updated on family events. There is a void in my life without him but I will always remember Dave for being a great friend and cherish our memories together. Rest in peace my brother.
Love,
Jeff
Lisa, Emma, and Olivia,
We are so very sorry to hear about David’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elaina Apatoff and Marie Stines
Lisa, Emma, and Olivia,
I am so saddened to hear of David’s passing. Please know that my family understands what you are going through, and we are here to offer emotional support should you need us. Praying for your comfort and peace.
Shocked and saddened to hear about Dave’s passing. I served with him after he was activated and assigned to MacDill AFB, post 9/11. I was an active duty MSgt, then SMSgt at the time. He was a great guy and hard worker. He was tasked with overseeing all guard and reserve forces support, specifically activated troops sent to MacDill in support operations IRAQi and ENDURING freedom. We were getting hammered with significant manpower shortages and our unit (6th Security Forces Squadron) grew from approximately 120 personnel to 460, to support the wing, USCENTCOM, USSOCOM and the USAF’s first marine patrol. Despite very long work hours and little to no time off, Dave always had a positive can-do attitude and great sense of humor. We were both avid Met fans. I’m so sorry for your loss and please know that Dave certainly made a positive impact in our unit and our lives.
My most sincere condolences to the family for strength and healing. He was a great friend and great leader. May he rest in eternal Peace in the great parade grounds in heaven…
My deepest condolences to all the Obetz family on your loss. Dave was a friend of mine and a comrade in arms, as well. Such a kind and gentle man rarely does well in the military, but Dave was unique. His passing was too soon and he will be missed by more people than he would ever realize.