David Edward Romasanta
David Romasanta, 60, of Santa Barbara suffered a stroke in November of 2022. While in the hospital, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. After rehabilitation, David moved in with his sister, Kathy, and spent the next 18 months getting a few more adventures in under his belt, attended numerous family functions and was surrounded, every single day, by family and friends, until his passing on July 25, 2024.
David was born May 10, 1964 to Antonio R. Romasanta and Birgit Nyman Romasanta in Santa Barbara, a Mother’s Day surprise, twins, David and Anthony joined the now family of seven. As a child, David played many sports, including Santa Barbara YFL, Little League baseball and soccer. David attended all local schools: Kellogg and Vieja Valley Elementary, La Colina Jr. High, San Marcos High School and Santa Barbara City College. Throughout his life, David was an avid swimmer, surfer, skate boarder, bike trickster, motor cycle rider, bowler and snow skier. David and his twin brother, Anthony, were both great ping pong players, with a life long competition between the two of them.
David’s love for the ocean was as immense as the sea itself. A certified scuba diver, he loved being under the ocean, not only at our local islands but traveled all over the world to many incredible dive spots. David explored old ship wrecks, beautiful reefs and unbelievable ocean life. David enjoyed fishing and traveled to Alaska for a once in a lifetime fishing excursion. In his later years, his main pleasure on the ocean was driving the boats.
David was involved in the 1990’s with the excavation of the Pygmy Mammoth skeletons found on Santa Rosa Island. These remains are at the Santa Barbara Museum Of Natural History.
David loved all animals, big and small, but his most favorite of all were dogs. David was a very talented, self taught musician. He learned to play the saxophone, guitar, organ and key board. He wrote his own songs and loved playing them for family and friends; his favorite one to perform was “Under The Pepper Tree”. David was also a very talented artist and over the years painted many beautiful paintings; he was very creative.
David was that guy who knew a lot about a lot. He could fix almost anything and loved to help people with their projects. He knew how to rig things so they would keep working for another 20 years. He was a good builder, gardener and an excellent cook. David enjoyed bringing people together over a meal. He was always a huge participant helping prepare the food and getting things ready for all the family gatherings over the holidays and special occasions.
A fun memory for David and our siblings was when we went down to LA to audition for the Family Feud Game show; we dominated every round, got called back for a 2nd audition, crushed it, and never heard from the game show again!
David worked for his brother, Mark, for many years in the construction trade, earning his Estimators license. He had the opportunity to be a part of some really extraordinary projects here in Santa Barbara. David also worked in the hospitality business for numerous years.
David was the best Uncle to all of his Nieces, Nephews, Grand Niece and Grand Nephews. He loved helping them with their school projects and was always there to support their sports teams.
David was a spiritual person, he had friends from all walks of life, and known through the community as “Uncle Dave”. David was a kind, funny, compassionate, creative, smart, strong, loving human. He will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace our little brother.
David is preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Birgit Romasanta, his Nephew, Mark Romasanta II, and his twin Brother Anthony N. Romasanta. He is survived by his Brother Mark A. Romasanta (Nicole), his sisters, Kathryn Romasanta-Eckert and Lisa Romasanta-Crowder (Robert), his nieces and nephews, Antonia, Vinny, Angelina, Robbie, Kristina, Joey, Anthony, Nicholas, and Bella, Grand Niece Mikayla, and Grand Nephews Daniel, Dominic, Charlie, James, Lincoln and Alexander. There will be a private memorial service with family and very close friends.