David Craig Landa

David Craig Landa, 61, of Griswold, CT died peacefully at Backus Hospital on Thursday, March 24th after many years of physical struggles and, at the last, a short but serious illness.  His wife and sister were at his side.

​David was the son of the late Edward F. and “Jo”Mildred K. (Hick) Landa of Lebanon, CT.  He was born April 29th, 1960 in Bethpage, Long Island, NY and was a long time resident of Griswold.  He leaves behind his beloved companion and wife of 43 years, Dawne (Bradford) Landa, his son Kyle Landa of Argyle, TX and grandson David J. Landa of Colchester, CT, his daughter Bethany Landa and Jesse Sutherland, their son Cameron and daughter Arlyn Sutherland of Quaker Hill, CT.  He also leaves his sisters, Diane Setzler of Ogden UT; Marcia and Rodney Beaulieu of New Britain, CT and brother, Paul Landa of Middletown, CT; along with his niece, Courtney Landa of Seattle, WA and nephews Ryan Landa of Moodus, CT and Douglas Setzler of Ogden, UT, his sister-in-law Denise and Stephen Luft, brothers-in-law Herbert and Cassie Bradford, Howard Bradford and Amy Hamilton.   David was predeceased by his nephew Arlin Landa of Deep River, CT.

​His extraordinary life began when, at the age of 5,he moved with his family from New York to Amman, Jordan and subsequently to Italy, Switzerland, Sweden and Denmark.  He was educated in Jordan, the United Kingdom, Denmark and in the United States. David was a great fan of sports and a life-long, loyal spectatorof his favorite teams.  As a player, he enjoyed hunting, soccer and golf.  He was a lover of animals and over the years was the proud owner of a number of dogs (German Shepherds and Boston Terriers), many cats, birds – including geese and chickens – and a rabbit.

He was a big man, over six feet tall and broad of shoulder.  David had a double heart: partly that of a tiger - strong and fierce in his loves, friendships and beliefs; partly that of a small boy - tender, sympathetic, a lover of nature and beauty.  He made friends in every country, of any background, race, ethnicity, financial or social status.

David became a skilled welder/pipe fitter – an occupation which he loved and excelled at – working throughout CT.

Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, March 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Gagne-Piechowski Funeral Home, 490 Voluntown Road, Jewett City, CT, who have charge of the arrangements.  Friends are welcome to attend and encouraged to share their memories of David.

Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

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