David Alan Tribbey

David Alan Tribbey, 81, passed away April 10, 2016, at home in Tavares, Florida, with his loving
wife by his side. David was born in New Albany, Indiana, in 1935, the oldest son of John and Katharine Tribbey. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 61 years, Patricia Ann Roberson Tribbey; his four children, Karen Sparenburg (Terry), Stephen Scott Tribbey (Elizabeth), Mark Tribbey (Sharon), Brenda Von Almen (Robert); nine grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. David will be remembered for his goal-oriented personality which led to many professional and
personal accomplishments. David, a self-taught man, saw challenges and not obstacles when setting out on a new venture. David’s career in manufacturing began as a tool and die making apprentice for GE in Louisville, Kentucky. This led to David moving his young family to Puerto Rico in 1959 and then on to a dozen more locations throughout his career. David worked in a variety of career positions, retiring from Motorola in 1997. David’s career in manufacturing allowed him to work with teams of engineers to patent many new designs, including a motor for the vibrating devices used in pagers and cell phones. In total, David had over a dozen patents approved, including the 1994 Motorola Patent of the Year. In his personal life, David enjoyed boating, fishing, camping and backpacking, sharing adventures with his family and the Boy Scout Troop he led while living in Torrance, California. Upon retirement, Dave and Pat enjoyed many years traveling the country by RV and traveling the world on cruises. Some of David’s proudest accomplishments occurred after he took up running and cycling as a “hobby.” He completed 23 marathons including the Boston Marathon three times. He and Pat spent many happy miles together cycling and running. David was honored to be a torch-bearer for the 1996 Atlanta
Olympic Torch Relay in Boynton Beach, Florida. David was a member of Union Congregation Church in Tavares, Florida, and a 60 year member of the Mason’s. As a friend of Bill W. for 50 years, David will be fondly remembered as one who inspired others to live “one day at a time.”
A memorial service celebrating David’s life will be held at Union Congregational Church in
Tavares, Florida, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: American Parkinson Disease Association, 135 Parkinson Avenue, Staten Island, NY, 10305. Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, FL.