David Dean Locati

David Dean Locati, 86, passed away peacefully at his home after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. Despite the challenges of the illness, he never lost his sense of humor, his graciousness, or his deep respect for those who cared for him.

Dave was born on September 17, 1939, in Walla Walla, Washington, to August Peter “Gus” and Frances “Wilma” (Hurst) Locati. He was raised in Walla Walla and graduated from Saint Patrick’s High School in 1957. He later attended Gonzaga University as an engineering student before returning home to assist his father at the family business, Locati Motor Company, where he worked as the service and parts manager.

In 1968, Dave married Beatrice Alberta Topel. Together, they raised two children: their daughter, Lisa Locati, and son, Tracy Allen Weatherman.

In 1981, Dave married Barbara Jean Nickell, and his family expanded to include three daughters: Sandra Lynne Robinson, Carlene Kay Jay, and Traci Lee Nickell Munns.

Beatrice passed away on December 20, 2023, and Barbara passed away on March 16, 2013.

Dave is survived by his five children and in-laws, as well as grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

Dave’s early years were shaped by his love of drag racing, serving as an altar boy at Sunday Mass, and his enthusiasm for flying. He worked as a pilot for Red Carpet Flying Service and had long dreamed of flying jets, but a college accident, being struck by a car during a friendly snowball fight, affected the physical requirements for jet training. He took this setback in stride, guided by his steady faith and trademark good humor.

From 1980 until his retirement in 2016, Dave worked for Walla Walla Grain Growers. He was known throughout the community as a kind, generous man with a ready smile and a quick wit. His Catholic faith anchored his life, and he lived by the words he held dear: “Love thy neighbor as thyself.”

A Funeral Mass will be held on December 16, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Assumption Catholic Church in Walla Walla. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, with a Celebration of Life afterward at the family home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Assumption Catholic Church, to Parkinson’s research, or to a charity of your choice, through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.