David Peter Gaestel, operated behavioral clinic
David Peter Gaestel, surrounded by his family, passed away Friday, Dec. 4, 2020, at 5:40 p.m., at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Philadelphia, Pa.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Morris Gaestel; father, Norman Robert Gaestel; his maternal grandmother, Beatrice Morris; and his brother-in-law, Brian Egan Dalsey. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Peggy Dalsey Gaestel; children Siobhan Brewer (Ron), and Joshua Gaestel (Emily); grandchildren Jude and Eleanor (Siobhan and Ron) and Elliot (Josh and Emily); sisters Lynne Gaestel Norris and Jill Gaestel Manee; and many beloved brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
Dave was born April 29, 1955, in Belmar, N.J., where he was raised by his maternal grandmother, Beatrice Morris, and mother figure, Pat Rutledge. He attended Manasquan High School and entered the Army and served two years. After the Army, he practiced culinary arts at Jersey Shore restaurants, an art that he later perfected and expressed his love through his presentation of food. He met the love of his life during a St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Belmar in 1979, and they began their life together.
Dave began his career in HVAC as an apprentice under the tutelage of Sonny Standridge and worked to master his craft. He started as a laborer, and worked his way to upper management, where he became a mentor to many others. In 2014, he used his skill in management to build and operate a behavioral health clinic, Synergy Behavioral Health Group (Lewes), with his wife, where they have helped many people for the last six years.
Dave was known by everyone as a brave and big-hearted man, who always put the needs of others before his own. Throughout his life he provided a home to those in need and would often say, “We don’t take in stray cats; we take in stray kids.” He was passionate in his beliefs in hard work, honesty and fairness. Dave enjoyed golfing, fishing, the art of Bruce Springsteen, and the heartbreak of being a lifelong New York Giants fan. He was a master of the “dad joke.” Dave’s greatest joy in life was his grandchildren.
Due to the ongoing pandemic, there will be a private, online memorial for friends and family Sunday, Dec. 13. When it is safe to gather, a celebration of his life will occur by the ocean, where his ashes will join the place he felt most at peace.
