David Anthony “Dave” Lavine passed away peacefully at his home in Fairhope, Alabama, surrounded by the love of his life, Libby, and his beloved dogs, Assisi and Bella.

Dave was born on November 5, 1950, in Hanford, California, to Frank Ernest Lavine and Elvira Elizabeth (Costa) Lavine. He grew up in Northern California before eventually making his way to the Chicago area. There, his love of horses landed him a job training harness racehorses, which is also where he met his first wife, Cindy (Holecek). Together, they had two daughters, Kimberly Anne and Amanda Marie.

Dave later built a career working at a nuclear power plant in Byron, Illinois, where his natural ability to fix just about anything certainly came in handy. He eventually made his way south to Alabama, where he worked at the Mobile FBI building—handling the building maintenance and any special facilities projected needed. There, Dave was known not only for his hard work and willingness to lend a hand, but for the kind and genuine person he was.

In 1989, he met Olivia “Libby” Campbell, the love of his life and his partner for more than 35 years. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and what could probably be considered a small zoo. With Libby working for the Humane Society and Dave volunteering alongside her, it wasn’t unusual for Dave to head there to help and come home with a new family member. Over the years, they were proud “parents” to countless dogs, birds, fish, and other lucky creatures.

As the best “girl-dad”, he was gentle, patient, and encouraged his daughters throughout their lives to follow their talents and their hearts. He was always there for them, even when living many miles away, chatting for hours on the phone. He loved sending thoughtful gifts—from helpful, to just beautiful, he found joy in shipping his finds to them (often wrapped in excessive amounts of packing tape). 

As a husband, Dave was kind, loving, supportive, fun, and he loved to make Libby laugh. Dave never missed an occasion to give her the best card to express how much he loved and appreciated her. They traveled to various parts of the world including Italy, Hawaii, and Portugal—where Dave’s family originated. They loved spending time together, especially exploring any kind of antique shop or craft fair. They built a beautiful and peaceful life together, always surrounded by a couple furry rescues. 

Dave was the person you called when you needed someone to talk to. He was a wonderful listener who always seemed to know just what to say, offering thoughtful advice, a steady perspective, and the kind of wisdom you could count on. His gift of “gab” meant he never knew a stranger everywhere he went. His presence brought comfort, laughter, and reassurance to so many, and his absence will be felt more than words can express. Dave was deeply loved and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Olivia “Libby” Lavine; his daughters, Kimberly Anne (Tyler) Slaughter and Amanda Marie Lavine; his stepdaughter, Teresa (Kevin) Moneyhun; his grandchildren, Wyatt and Quinn Slaughter, Kiersten (Justin) Reid, and Alyssa Broussard; his great-granddaughter, Stella Reid; his sisters, Nona (Lee) Mueller and Marcia (Chuck) Lawhorn, Beth Weaver and Melissa Christensen; his brothers, Don Lavine, Kenneth (Sharon) Lavine; and many extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Ernest and Elvira Elizabeth Lavine, grandmother, Mary Souza, and his brothers, Greg Lavine and Gary Lavine.

There will be no formal service, in keeping with Dave’s wishes. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation in Dave’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Online donations can be made at https://www.parkinson.org/