David C. Bristow, life of the party

David C. Bristow, 70, of Wilmington, died peacefully at Christiana Hospital surrounded by his children Tuesday, May 2, 2023. 

David (Dave) was born in March 1953 in Wilmington to Conway and Gertrude Bristow. Wilmington was Dave’s home for most of his life, with a brief two years spent in California as a child. He graduated from Wilmington High School in 1971 and went on to earn his BS in accounting from the University of Delaware in 1977. Dave married his high school and college sweetheart, Cynthia (Cindy), Sept. 10, 1977. Dave spent his professional career working in banking at MBNA, Bank of America, and as a consultant. He retired in 2019. 

Dave loved playing and watching sports. He participated in recreation softball and volleyball leagues, and enjoyed golfing. He coached many of his children’s youth sports teams. He was also an avid fan of the Philadelphia professional sports teams. Dave most enjoyed his time with family and friends. He was the life of the party. His favorite place to spend time was in Lewes. He spent many days seeking sandbars, building sandcastles, and playing horseshoes with friends and family. Dave and Cindy loved hosting family and friends in their Lewes home, generously letting anyone who could find a couch or air mattress visit for the weekend. Dave could often be found making bacon and eggs in the mornings for his many guests. 

Dave, the most loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, is survived by his children and their spouses, Melissa Parsons (Elliot), Sara Palen (Andrew), Kelsey Bristow (Tristan Hoffmann) and Matthew Bristow (Rebecca); his grandchildren, Owen and Lila Parsons, Wyatt and Dylan Palen, and Hayden, Hadley, and Beau Bristow; and his brothers and their spouses, Robert Bristow (Patricia), Thomas Bristow and Conway Bristow II (Annette); along with many nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his wife Cindy (Zawisza) Bristow; his mother Gertrude (Krajnik) Bristow; his father Conway Bristow I; and his brother William Bristow. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Road, Wilmington, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery in Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Dave’s name to Gilpin Hall, 1101 Gilpin Ave., Wilmington, DE 19806; or to Lewy Body Dementia Association, lbda.org. 

For online condolences, visit chandlerfuneralhome.com.