David Kaneff

David Kaneff

A handsome young cadet at Valley Forge

On Sunday February 13th, 2011 I received a call that David Kaneff had passed away that afternoon at his residence. I had known Dave for about 5 years and met him playing poker at local River Chasers events. I deeply regret that I did not get a chance to see him in the last few months. We had been trying to get together or have him over to the house for dinner. Dave will always have a special place in our hearts, as he helped introduce me and my wife.

There is no shortage of memories with Dave, I only wish there were some more recent ones. We’ll always have the old days at Pizza Time, PJ Whelihans, and Roma’s. I’ll never forget his trademark introduction when he would put his hand on his chest and yell “LISTEN UP!” as he so often did at the begninng of a night of cards to explain the rules. When Big Dave spoke, people listened. But not out of fear. Everyone loved the guy, how could you not.

One of Dave’s greatest qualities was his sense of humor. If he couldn’t make you laugh there was no hope for you. And then there was the playfulness. I mean this guy really knew how to bust your stones. He was undeniably the King of breaking balls. And he loved it. But once you knew him you knew why he was doing it. Strangely enough it was because of how much he cared about you. It was a subtle reminder to not sweat the small stuff. He was drawing it out of you and showing you something. And then he would say, “Relax it’s no big deal”. It’s something you understand or you don’t, I can’t really explain it any further.

We used to meet up for lunch often at the Applebee’s in East Norriton. And on occaision dinner at 99 in West Norriton. Dave was always on the move so most often you had to meet up with him while he was out. I was fortunate enough to be one of the people he called if he was in the area and had time for lunch. I had spent countless hours over the course of the years I knew him, talking to Dave about his life, his mistakes, and his accomplishments. One thing he made clear, he loved his daughters dearly. No matter what, they meant everything to him. I often inquired as to what he knew of my wife to be. At the time it was merely 2 buddies exchanging stories, but today they are life lessons I will carry with me the rest of my life. You never truly know how much someone means to you until they are gone.

Dave we miss you terribly and want you to call one more time so we can hear you say “Whaddya doin?”

Rest in Peace Dave

June 12, 1967 – February 13, 2011

We will remember you!

Here is a Riverchasers tribute to Dave

8 Responses to “David Kaneff”

Gina Callahan 11/02/16 21:29

Dave was one of my closest friends, and words cannot begin to describe the sadness I have in my heart right now. He was a true friend in every sense of the word. He would do anything for his family and friends. In fact, he often put others’ needs before his own, and never asked for anything in return (except for a tin of my Christmas cookies every year). I’m very fortunate in that Dave left me with so many wonderful & happy memories…ones I will never forget! I will miss his big heart, his smile, his wacky sense of humor, and the hugs & kisses he left at the end of every email. I will miss our dinners, Phillies games, and trips to AC. Most of all, I will miss my true friend. I hope he’s looking down now, and knows just how much I loved him, and how much I will miss him. Hugs & kisses,
Gina
Tom McMenamin 11/02/17 00:26

I can only say that I’m happy that usually most conversations I had with my friend Dave involved an “I love you…..but” and then something along the lines of “you have to start taking care of yourself” or ” you need to find something that will give you health insurance”. There was more times than not an “I love you”….granted at some point in time (probably not more than 2 minutes) there was an extreme ball busting session, but ther was usually an “I love you”. I miss you very much and find it very hard to believe that we’ll not share another bullshit session involving you going through the wardens top dresser drawer ! We shared many, many crazy prop bets, most of which to this day have never been payed off, but the fun of them were just the sheer plot of them. You always looked out for the Warden and were a great friend to not only me but to her also.
Every piece of crap vehicle that I’ve owned in the past five years, you unfortunately had a part in getting them to Grange Ave. Believe me, you never let me forget that fact either. I’ll miss you always good friend, and the fact of the matter is, I guess ultimately you won as you still owe me $ from online poker ! I love you and miss you.
Emily 11/02/17 00:52

David, give your dad and aunt joy a big hug for me? You’re in good hands.

The rest of us will be around if/when the cookie crumbles because she’s loved like you and dad.

They do Have the internet where you are now, right?!?!?
<3
xoxo
from an old friend of the cookie monster
Michele Mathe 11/02/18 00:02

Dave was such a great guy. I only knew him for a few short years but I am glad that I got to know him that long. Dave was friendly to everyone, and every single time I saw him, he would give me a huge hug no matter how pissed about a poker game or some idiot at a game giving him grief. I will you miss you Big Dave and I hope we get to meet again one day.
Tia Kaneff 11/02/19 00:11

Dave and I met when I was only 14 and he was 17, two months later his dad passed away at the age of 42. We dated for 6 years before we finally married in 1990, although our marriage did not survive the many challenges that we faced together, I always knew that he loved his kids and I more than anything. He always put us first before anyone, including himself. I have never met anyone with a heart as big as his and I truly believe that he is up there today with his dad watching over all of us as our guardian angel. As his wife of 15 years I know I will surely miss his crazy (over the top) sense of humor!

Dave, You know you always had a special place in my heart and always will!!

And yes, I DO MISS YOU!!
Paul Lennon 11/02/19 22:56

David was our neighbor in Doylestown during his teen years. He and my daughter Lisa were good friends and had many good times together. I have nothing but good memories of him. After not seeing each other for many years, Lisa and Dave connected on Facebook a year or so ago and then had great phone conversations about their lives then and now. Lisa has not lived in PA since 1993.

Dave told Lisa about some health problems that he had but like everyone else she was devastated by Dave’s passing. Young men Dave’s age are not supposed to leave so early and an obvious question is why? Dave’s many friends from Doylestown are wondering what happened. If you could tell us what happened to end Dave’s life we would appreciate it. Thank you and God Bless David!
scott schultz 11/02/21 04:51

I was in the room when David walked for the first time.I held up a piece of chicken and he got up and walked for it .His dad Max and my father Larry were best friends .My heart feels the pain he went throught. David my jewish soul brother.My Hashem bless you in the after life.I guess dad needed someone to play cards with.I love you my brother.ouch this hurts.xx. scotty always loved you bro.