Dave Alizo

All who knew David Alizo would agree that he certainly put the spice into life. He was the life of the party wherever he went, making a significant impact in the lives of so many within his reach. Dave was a highly intelligent and gifted man who worked hard in everything he did. He regularly shared his fun-loving sense of humor with those around him, and his musical talents were exceptional. A man who saw so much of the world, Dave was an out of the box thinker who talked to anyone about anything. Taken from his loved ones much too soon, he will be deeply missed while his memory is forever cherished.

Dave was born August 20, 1968. David Victor was the youngest of four children born to his parents, Armando and Gloria (Howald) Alizo. Tragedy struck early in his young life as his father died when Dave was just two years old. When he was three years old he moved with his family to East Lansing and grew up alongside his siblings, Armando, Lori, and Kathy.

Even as a young boy Dave seemed to have the world by its tail. He was full of life, even rambunctious at times, and he loved playing tricks on his family. It was at a very young age that Dave’s musical talents began to surface, as when he was just 18 months old he could sing a favorite song right on pitch. He loved singing and expressing himself through music. As a youngster he liked kites, and began collecting things such as watches, coins, stamps, and bottles. Dave also fell in love with history. As a student he attended East Lansing High School where his outgoing friendly manner made it easy for him to establish lasting friendships. Dave was someone whom everyone wanted to be around. Dave enjoyed going to downtown East Lansing and hanging out with friends – he could often be found with them at Pinball Pete’s. He went on to graduate from high school in 1987.

Dave was a Michigan State Spartan from the time he was a young boy. His dream came true when he began taking classes there, continuing to focus on learning, but always enjoying the companionship of his friends. Dave received two bachelor degrees, one in Physics and one in Packaging Engineering. Not long after completing his schooling he was recruited by Abbott Laboratories where he worked for several years. While with this company, Dave was sent to Puerto Rico for about one year and also spent a year in Palo Alto, California, as well. Later in life he worked as a Principal Engineer for Baxter Healthcare Corporation, and he was always very good at his job, and a great friend to his co-workers.

Although he was devoted to his work, Dave’s true passion was in music. In fact, his dream was to be able to stop working one day and just spend his time writing music. Dave was able to seamlessly fuse several different genres of music together like Latin, jazz, and other styles native to different parts of the world. He masterfully integrated different rhythms and beats together, often Central and Southern American music, creating a style that was uniquely his. Dave never received formal instruction in music, but was able to hear and feel the sounds he so beautifully transposed into great music. It isn’t surprising to those who knew Dave that he was a bit of a perfectionist when it came to his music and knew exactly the sound he wanted to create.

Through the years Dave’s life was enriched in many ways. With a spirit of adventure he spent some time backpacking through Eastern Europe with friends. As someone who embraced his father’s Venezuelan heritage, he deeply loved the Spanish culture and traveled extensively through Central America and the Caribbean. Dave had a special place in his heart for dogs and cats and was a huge fan of both the Spartans and the Tigers. He liked sharing his love for sports with his friends, too. Dave loved a good cup of coffee, and when it came to his favorite foods the spicier the better as everything was better with a good shake of hot sauce. He loved being out and enjoyed speaking to people from all over when he was at various ethnic festivals. Dave liked going to local concerts in downtown Chicago and enjoyed practically every genre of music.

The list of things to love about Dave is extensive. He was was six feet, four inches tall and over 200 pounds, had a gentle, sweet personality, and was graced with a sense of humor that everyone loved. Dave’s nieces and nephews adored him and loved playing and jumping all over him. With a deep love for kids he spent as much time with his nieces and nephews as he could. Dave was kind and tenderhearted, very aware of others, and careful to not hurt anyone’s feelings. He had several diverse, lifelong friends and was often chosen to be the best man in friends’ weddings. Dave was a wonderful son who enjoyed traveling and time spent with his mother. He never cared about appearances or trying to impress people. However, his sincere and friendly style always endeared to family, friends, and strangers alike.

Life will never be the same without David Alizo here, but all those within his reach will be forever changed because of his touch. He was a man who was content and never concerned about material things or building wealth, but he focused his life on making the world around him a better place. Whether it was his large stature, his fantastic sense of humor, or his huge heart, Dave was truly one of a kind.

David Alizo died unexpectedly September 17, 2012. Dave’s family includes his mother, Gloria Alizo; 3 siblings: Armando (Myriam) Alizo, Lori Alizo (Eduardo Ferran) and Kathy Alizo (Rob Williams); 7 nieces and nephews: Veronica, Victoria, Eddie, Allyson, Alec, Ashleigh and Andrew; and Uncle Kenneth Howald. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Armando J. Alizo. Please gather with family and friends Sunday from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler – Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Dr., 375-2900 where services will be held Monday at 11:00 a.m. Burial at Hope Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign his online guestbook.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Chicago Children’s Choir (www.ccchoir.org/support/contribute).