David Julius “Pops" December

ST. JAMES CITY, FL ~ David Julius “Pops" December, 81, formerly of Marquette, MI and Jacksonville, FL, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his Florida home on June 4, 2023, where he was under the care of his loving family and Hospice.

David was born on June 28, 1941, the son of Joseph V. and Isabelle Desormier December and was of the Catholic faith. 

David was highly patriotic and proudly served in the United States Navy for 38 years. He was an accomplished Master Diver and lived by the Navy Diver Oath, “I honor my deep-sea brethren past, present and future; they are my Family. My personal Honor and Integrity are above reproach and compel me to do what is right regardless of the circumstances. Courage is the hallmark of my trade”.

Some of David’s most memorable and proudest moments throughout his highly decorated career, included being on the recovery dive team for the USA's first moon launch, and diving with divers such as Carl Brashear and Jacque Cousteau. Throughout his career, David and his family lived in many places including Honolulu, Hawaii, Panama City, Florida, Norfolk, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida, before retiring and dropping permanent anchor with his wife in St James City, Florida, on the water. 

David was an avid fisherman, boater, musician, accomplished carpenter, and master craftsman. He loved the outdoors, as well as, ice hockey and snow skiing, in his younger years. Woodworking/wood carving and tinkering in the garage was how Dave enjoyed spending his free time.  David was also a voracious reader and demonstrated a strong work ethic and respect as an example to his children and peers. Among his fondest memories was traveling the country with his wife, Connie, in their RV to many of our country’s national parks and especially to the Smokey Mountains.

David was preceded in death and is reunited under God's grace with his parents, Joseph and Isabelle December; the love of his life, and wife of 53 years, Cornelia "Connie" Jane (Collins) December; as well as two brothers, Joseph W. December, Robert J. December, and one sister, SanDee J. December.

He is survived and his legacy lives on through his sister, Suann December of Ishpeming, MI; his children: April A. December of Jacksonville, FL, March E. (Lee) Burdick of Colorado Springs, CO, Peter M. (Misty G.) December of Jacksonville, FL, Matthew C. (Tammy) Wolosin of Lewiston, NY, and his grandchildren, Gabrielle J. Lehman, Paige T. December, and Pierce M. December; along with many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his loving companion, Kathryn A. Arbogast of Cape Coral, FL.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. 

Memorial Contributions in memory of David Julius December are suggested to American Cancer Society, 4575 Via Royale, # 110, Fort Myers, FL 33919.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.