David Nicholas Loncaric, Sr. was born at an early age to Frank and Alice Loncaric in Miami, FL. The youngest (and arguably, the most dashingly handsome) of three boys, David grew up to become a Vietnam Veteran, military policeman, painter, paramedic, firefighter, husband and father. And all by the age of 40.
In 1989, at just 39 years old, a training accident altered his path with varying degrees of quadriplegia not once, but three times over the course of his life. One minute, he was carrying people from burning buildings and the next, he was unable to even feed himself.
Such a drastic turn of events would’ve broken most, but not David. Through the grace of God, he survived, proving medical professionals wrong for decades.
His patience, kindness and determination to get better were unwavering, and his faith and absolute joy just to be alive were unmatched.
His nearly photographic memory made him a Jeopardy wiz and honorary family historian, regularly recollecting fuzzy memories for loved ones.
He was a storyteller like no other, witty and engaging, and he rarely, if ever, told short versions of said stories. Evoking laughter was effortless, as was making everyone he met feel valued and loved.
David is preceded in death by his beloved wife of forty-one years, Betty Loncaric and survived by daughter Melissa (Noah) Miller and son, David (Wendy) Loncaric, granddaughters, Alahna and Raegan and brothers Roger (Martha) Loncaric, Dennis (Linda) Loncaric and countless nieces and nephews.
David will be remembered by everyone he encountered as the World’s Strongest Man, proving that a broken body is no match for an intentional and faithful heart, mind and spirit.
Friends and family are invited to join us for a celebration of David's life on Friday, March 29, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at Robert's Hall, located at: 831 Florida Ave, Lynn Haven, FL 32444.
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