David Gerald McFadden GMCM (EOD) USN (Ret.)

If you knew Dave, you would know how unique he was...fearless, confident and generous ~ an extraordinary man. Dave made friends wherever he went, his leadership skills were legendary, his stories endless. Dave was raised in a devoted Navy family, with his father, David McFadden and mother, June McFadden. He grew up in Morocco, Hawaii, Rhode Island and New Jersey. He enlisted in the US Navy Construction Battalion (SEEBEES) Reserve Program in December 1969. He worked as a Utilitiesman until he was selected for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Program. He completed Naval Explosive Ordnance school in 1977 and served his country around the world in a multitude of special operations missions, with his Navy career culminating as the Command Master Chief of the Office of Naval Intelligence. As a Master EOD Technician and Navy Diver he was proud of his teammates, those he mentored and led and of his service spanning a 30 year career. Dave is one of the EOD legends. He made his mark on the Navy EOD community in both conventional and unconventional ways. He was never deterred by bureaucracy getting in his way; Dave made his own path. After his retirement from the Navy, Dave married Shari Deems and they began their wonderful loving life together. As Dave still worked in his field of expertise, one of his most influential and successful endeavors was as the SAIC Project Manager for the U.S State Department to rid Albania of all weapons of mass destruction for their entry into NATO.

Dave was a 50-year Master Mason and a member of the Sanford York Right Bodies, world traveler, gourmet cook, jack of all trades, wonderful husband, father, friend and shipmate.

Dave is survived by his wife Shari; daughters Kimberly (Mike) Harrawood, Karen (Tony) Todd; grandchildren Megan, Mikey, Abigail, Krista, Dewayne, Damien and Justin; great-grandchildren Cali, Paisley, MJ, Mallory, Aria and Peyton; mother June McFadden Thomas; siblings Sharon (Dean) Smith, Colleen (Mike) Hill, and Tom (Denise) McFadden.

We are all better for knowing him and loving him. He will be dearly missed.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/ocala-cremation for the McFadden family.