Bassanio G. David Jr. was born on St. Thomas, USVI, Aug. 10, 1931, as the first child of Lucita LaFong and Lt. Bassanio G. David Sr. Affectionately known by many names to family and friends, Bassanio lovingly responded to “Junie,” “Junior,” “Bops,” “Bob-Bops,” “Little David,” “Lil’ D” and, of course, “Honey” (by his late wife Mavis), as well as Daddy, Grandpa and Uncle.
Bops often told anecdotes of his humble beginnings. Telling how he dropped out of school at a young age to help support his siblings, performing daily duties like taking the “zinc” bucket to the well to fetch water. The story of the day the rope snapped and the zinc bucket fell into the well was one of his favorites.
In 1952, Bops met the love of his life, Mavis E. Joseph, whom he soon married on Jan. 12, 1953. He was a father to their sons: Glenroy Smith, Bassanio 111 (Davie), Lauritz Sr. and Jerald. The family started off living in Garden Street until they were hit by a catastrophic fire that destroyed their home. As a result, the family moved to Paul M. Pearson Gardens where they raised their boys and continued to accumulate family, friends and community bonds before purchasing their family home in Estate Bovoni where he lived for the remainder of his life.
Many of Bops’ community bonds were formed during his eight years as a Silver Street Taxi driver. Bops also did heavy equipment operator work for Reed Perkins in the early 1960s before working for the V.I. Department of Public Works in the 1970s where he drove the garbage truck and managed the Bovoni Dump Landfill until he retired in December 1994.
After retiring, Bops signed on for the bigger job of full-time family man where he happily chauffeured his wife and grandchildren on errands, and to and from school daily. Throughout his life, he was a dedicated member of the Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served as a deacon and frequently assisted with odd jobs, like repairing and maintaining vehicles and the lift, to support the clergy and congregation. Bops also loved to dance! He jokingly thought he was a “Poto Rican” (his way of saying Puerto Rican) as he enjoyed aspects of Hispanic culture like the food and his favorite boogie tunes included méringue, salsa, bachata and any Spanish-style music.
As the years passed, he was able to welcome and celebrate several generations of his family being born, all the way to great-great-grandchildren. When he passed away on March 5, he was surrounded by family members and loved ones. He will be missed by many and will forever be remembered in our hearts.
The first viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., on Tuesday, April 2, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home.
A second viewing will take place at 9 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, at Frederick Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Brookman Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
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