David Figueroa

and grandfather of three passed away at the age of 62. He was born on October 1st,

1956 in Fajardo, Puerto Rico to Rosa Esther Morales and Teodoro “Teddy” Figueroa.

He met Aurea Esther Sanchez at 17 and married the love of his life just a few days shy

of his 18th birthday. David and Aurea had three daughters- Marilyn, their firstborn, and

twins- Christina and Irene. David entered the Fire Department at the age of 24 and

remained on duty for thirty-four years. He was stationed on Damen and Cortland Engine 35. He was seen as a mentor and maintained a leadership role throughout his

decades in the house. He took control over the department’s kitchen while on duty and

bestowed his cooking tips to anyone who wanted to learn.

David had a passion for cooking, fishing, and building. In his free time, he could

have been found on Lake Michigan, cooking his family’s favorite meals, or building his

own creations from domino tables to entire new rooms. He felt the most at peace when

taking part in these mediums and sought these things constantly- they made him who

he was. David was a family man and would do anything for the sake of those he loved.

The friends that he carried with him throughout his life could never be considered only

friends. He did his absolute best to keep his loved ones close and united. He loved

taking the people that he held close to his heart on his esteemed adventures. As a

young adult, he brought along his friends to accompany him in enduring the things that

brought him peace- they would camp, fish, cook, and so many other things that only

those friends could truly explain.

Later in life, when he had his own family, he made it a priority to expose them to

the skills and hobbies that he held most dear. He taught his children (grandchildren

included) that family came first. He taught his family resilience, strength, work ethic,

perseverance, courage, and love. Despite his strong opinions and strict way of being,

he was open and accepting if you were willing to demonstrate the strength to oppose

him. He respected those who opposed him, though many may not have understood this.

He masked his compassion and softness with dominance- his close family knew this

best. He did his absolute best to instill his own skills in Marilyn, Christina, Irene,

Isabella, Andrew, Isaac, and later on in life, Danny. He taught his family to build the

most perfect fires, to build tents, what baits to use for what fish, how to thread a line

through a fishing pole, how to launch and drive a boat, what to do in case of emergency

while on a boat or in a fire, how to shoot a bow and arrow, how to use tools that you

have likely never heard of before, how to make pasteles, and ultimately how to be the

people that they all are today.

His family, friends, and all that crossed paths with him were affected and shaped

by his being. Many exist as they are today because of David Figueroa.

His memorial service will be at Montclair Lucania Funeral Home (6901 W Belmont Ave., Chicago IL 60634) Friday, January 25, 2019 from 3:00 PM-8:00 PM

*Remembrance 6:00 PM

*Firefighters Last Call 7:00PM