David Matthew Tassie was 49 years old when he passed away on Tuesday the 29th of August 2023 at his home in Clarksville, Tennessee after a three-and-a-half-year battle with cancer. Dave was born in Syracuse, New York on the 3rd of October 1973 to Paul Anthony Tassie and the former Dianne Margaret Dillon. Dave spent his life very close to his three brothers, Paul, Michael, and Louis, and more close friends than anyone could count. Dave lived in New York, Montana, Alaska, Arizona, and Tennessee. He had a passion for the outdoors and spent most of his professional life working in construction, carpentry, and finally as a very accomplished and highly regarded surveyor and survey party chief in austere locations across Alaska in the oil and gas industry. Dave was proud of his impeccable safety record and good standing with the Teamsters Union.
Dave lived and loved fiercely. He cared for others and made incredible lifelong friends wherever he went with his genuine charm and his mischievous smile. He loved cooking and hosting others. Dave may have eventually given in to cancer, but cancer will never forget tangling with David Tassie. David was given less than six months to live in February of 2020. As only Dave could do, he said, “never go into a fight thinking you can lose”, and he meant it; he not only survived, but thrived for three years past his given expiration date. When cancer returned in the summer of 2023, Dave asked to keep his fight private. He refused treatment and gave cancer hell until the very end. He spent his last months surrounded by family. He died peacefully in his sleep and was laughing only a few hours before his death in true Dave fashion.
David is survived by his daughter, Martina (Brandon) Lowe; his father, Paul Tassie; his brothers, Paul (Judy) Tassie, Michael Tassie, and Louis (Vikki) Gitlin; his nephews, Devon Tassie and Hunter Tassie; his nieces, Violet Gitlin and Aurora Gitlin; and his “Pops”, David (Laurie) Gitlin.
David Tassie was preceded in death by his amazing mother, Dianne “Deedee” Gitlin.
David’s burial is arranged by Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in Winchester, Tennessee and will occur at the Franklin Memorial Gardens, in Winchester, Tennessee on the 3rd of September 2023 with a small graveside service for close friends and his family.
David’s family appreciates the well wishes from Dave’s friends across the world. Instead of gifts, flowers, or donations, Dave would want everyone to have a drink for him and have a meaningful interaction with a stranger or an old friend.
Moore-Cortner Funeral Home 300 1st Ave NW, Winchester, TN 37398, (931)967-2222
