Obituary of David A. Aleva

David Aleva

Beloved of Evelyn Christie, brother of Richard (Denise), Mary, Robert (Kathleen), Suzanne (Leonard) Jakovac, and Paul (Barbara), Mary Ann and Melanie Shaughnessy and many loving nieces and nephews, , David passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. He was preceded in death by his precious daughter Julie, whose presence he carried forever in his heart.

David was born on July 10, 1938, the beloved son of Emil and Elizabeth Aleva. After Central Catholic High School, Duquesne University, and Harvard (MBA), David took pride in his military career in the Navy, serving in various posts around the world. After retiring from the Navy, David enjoyed many endeavors in California. Grieving his daughter's passing, David returned to Pittsburgh two decades ago.

Here, before long, he began one of the happiest and most fruitful periods of his life. He became deeply involved in the St. James community with Evelyn Christie, sharing his expertise in finance and community building. He prided himself as a senior usher at the Saturday afternoon Masses. He was a longtime member of Pastoral Council. David took a personal interest in parishioners and neighbors who needed his expertise and personalized moral support. For many years he organized weekly pool tournaments for his buddies and Saturday dinners for friends from Mass. He was a lover of classic cars and of world class ballet performances.

Through his years of service to the Navy and to our community in Pittsburgh, David shared his warm, friendly spirit and sharp intellect with everyone he met. He was a considerate, trusted friend with an engaging personality and a delightful sense of humor. As an usher, David took pride in knowing by name all those who came to Mass and welcoming each one warmly every week. When a need arose, David would drop everything to respond, for example, driving someone for a doctor appointment, a hospital visit, and more. He cultivated friends with whom he could share his probing questions about life as well as his insights. He will be sorely missed near and far.

Friends can pay their respects to David and his family at the Thomas L. Nied Funeral Home, 7441 Washington Street, Swissvale on Sunday, October 16 from 2 to 4 PM and from 6 to 8 PM. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Saint Mary Magdalene Parish, St. James Church, 718 Franklin Avenue, Wilkinsburg at 1:30 PM on Monday, October 17 with the burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery where he will receive full military honors.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to his Parish Food Bank. Make checks payable to "St. Mary Magdalene Parish" with 'Food Bank' in the memo line. www.niedfuneralhome.com