Posted by Mimi Finch on March 6, 2012:

This is the eulogy which was printed in the AOG Magazine under TAPS: David John Cesari David John Cesari lived his too short life with great enthusiasm and generosity. Born on October 19, 1960 in White Plains, New York to Lucille and Albert Cesari, Dave was the seventh of eight children in a very close knit family. The Dave we remember never seemed to have a care in the world, but faced many challenges in his life. The deaths of his father and youngest brother, and the impact those deaths had on his mother, affected him profoundly at an early age. Despite all hardships, Dave possessed a wonderfully affable character and likeable personality which drew people from the widest cross-section of the Corps. Striper dogs, athletes, those anointed with academic brilliance - all spent time with Dave because he was easy to get along with and fun to be around. No one who knew him will forget Dave's impish grin; that smirk, which, in the long run, won him more friends than earned him hazing plebe year. Dave could always find ways to make folks laugh, even when the grayest days of the gloom period crept into our lives. He took a positive outlook on whatever situation presented itself, and always wore that big smile. Few people never seem to have a bad day, but Dave was one of them. He found something positive in everything and everyone, and we found nothing but good in him. Dave was only about 5'8" and a modest 160lbs, but he was truly larger than life. His example as a cadet, soldier, baseball player and friend was what inspired his classmates (1983), teammates (baseball) and subordinates to do their best. There were many who were fortunate to have been blessed by his warmth, passion for excellence, and character. In addition to his gifted athletic ability, Dave showed great enthusiasm on and off the playing field. He was always the hardest cheering teammate and sportsman, no matter what the score. He inspired his teammates to perform their best through coaching, leadership, and his fine example. Dave's athletic skills were nothing short of remarkable. He could pin you, or put you on the ropes just as quickly and effortlessly as he could negotiate the indoor obstacle course. For those of us who weren't athletically gifted, all we could do was marvel at his prowess and reach even higher to try and meet the bar of athletic excellence Dave set. Always displaying a calm and gentle spirit, Dave's demeanor belied tremendous inner strength that enabled him to conquer all challenges. He knew how to have fun, and how to work hard. He never took anything too seriously, but at the same time was serious about the important things. We remember most his uncanny ability to put things in perspective. As many can probably attest to, it was difficult to catch Dave studying. He always seemed to be pursuing other interests (basketball at the gym, little parties in barracks rooms, trips off post, etc.). Little did many know that a good deal of his after-hours time was spent in computer labs working on his programs. He might have appeared to be indifferent about West Point, but his family knew better. He was very proud to be a cadet and wear the uniform, and it meant a great deal to him to make his mother so proud. What struck many of us was the fact that Dave really didn't have to work hard at being a good leader. He seemed to have an innate sense of what needed to be done, and always found a way to garner cooperation and teamwork from people without having to ask or direct. He epitomized the words "cooperate and graduate" from the beginning. At the United States Military Academy Preparatory School, he freely lent assistance to anyone who needed math tutoring to get through Mad Max Terriren's calculus blitzkrieg, or provided editing assistance on tough writing assignments. What emerged very quickly were his natural leadership abilities; he soon captured the attention of the top brass at USMAPS and rose to positions of increasing responsibility within the student chain of command. At West Point, Dave kept the tradition alive by helping others with their homework or training before completing his own work. Dave's capstone achievement was his selection as the baseball team's graduate assistant in 1983. He was chosen over his peers because he was an excellent role model, and possessed outstanding abilities, and leadership skills. His easygoing manner belied the fact that he felt things very deeply. Those who knew him best, however, know that he was the one you could approach with any problem, and he was always quick to help others. He would drive many miles out of his way to give a friend a ride home, or just to run a favor for someone. His family shared his generosity when they opened up their home to the entire USMA baseball team during the Spring Break trip in 1981. The Cesari family fed the team a dinner of roasted oysters in Daytona Beach. Little did they realize how much a West Point baseball team could eat. Even at his wake and funeral, his family raised the spirits of the mourners with their humor, generosity and strength. Dave Cesari was the guy that everyone wanted around them. His positive outlook, love of life and warm smile were contagious. Dave wore #13 on his baseball jersey; an unlucky number to some, but he wore it for just that reason - it was his way of showing that nothing could stop him. He truly believed in luck, but that it was all good. Our luck ran out on April 16, 1983, when Dave was taken from us in an automobile accident a month before graduation. He wasn't with us for long, but he certainly lived what time he had to its fullest. Dave was a true friend who knew no strangers, and gained admiration from those around him just by being himself. His family and those who knew him well continue to keep his spirit alive in their hearts. By and for all who knew and loved David

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