David Alfred Metzler, formerly of New Canaan, CT, and Harwich Port, MA, died peacefully at his home surrounded by family and his beloved Slovakian Rough- haired Pointer James, on March 24, 2019.
Dave, as friends and family knew him, was born in Cinncinnati, Ohio, on December 18, 1942, son of the late Dale Alfred Metzler and Barbara Hickey Metzler. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Colgate University. During his thirty- six year career with Colgate Palmolive Company, he led business operations in every region of the company. He retired in February, 2001, as Executive Vice President for High Growth Markets.
In his retirement he could be found living life to its fullest travelling the world sport fishing, skiing, collecting stamps, and eating exotic foods, but family always came first. His most cherished role was that of father and grandfather “Grampy”.
David was predeceased in 2016 by his beloved wife of forty- eight years, Veronica “Nicky” Kyles Metzler and survived by his five children Kyle Metzler, Dirk Metzler, Dana Sweeney, Jennie Zuerner, Kate Giffen, their spouses and children. He is also survived by two sisters Donna Metzler Molina and Dale Anne Palmgren. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no wake or funeral.
Letters of condolences may be sent to:
The Metzler Family
50 2nd Street Newport, RI 02840
Memorial donations may be made in David’s name to:
The Family Pantry of Cape Cod
133 Queen Anne Road
Harwich Port, MA 02646
or:
IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
290 Summer Street
Yarmouth Port, MA 02646
Clarence Whitcomb
Among Dave’s many talents was his great gift of friendship; he really liked people. Having Dave as a friend - from being ‘neighbor kids’ at East School and ever since - enriched my life, just as the lives of so many people who have known him and worked with him all these years. - Bob Whitcomb
Rod Murch (Class Of 1957)
Dave was one fine young man when I knew him back in hgih school and he was destined for success. His life was a great success, in his work, his family, friends .......... you name it, Dave had it all.
Rod Murch
Kathleen Yoxtheimer (Shelton)
I have many memories of Dave; my high school sweetheart for a year(!) , our class president, our quarterback for a winning football team, a straight shooter on the basketball court, and a willing participant with our reunion activities. He was there for us. What I will best remember is the e-mail I received from Dave on February 4, 2019 - just 2 months ago. The content of the e-mail was one letter: "P". It was the tie-breaker in our Superbowl poll putting our choice or prediction that the PATRIOTS would win. RIP.
Arthur (Lenny) Leonard Lavalette
My first memories of Dave come from our junior high years. His polite conversations with his parents when he referred to them as “Sir and Maam” encouragesd me to invite for an overnight stay thinking my choice would impress my parents. It did so I was forever beholden to Dave. He was a friend, a leader and simply a really nice guy - the kind of person who will be missed by many.Bruce Cluff
I found an obituary for Dave under the Chapman Family Funeral Homes. You can also get it by googling David A. Metzler.
You can send condolences to Metzler Family
50 2nd Street
Newport, R.I. 02840
Sheila Batchelder (Johnson)
Dave was such a gentleman, and very kind. A one-of-a-kind guy. He was a wonderful part of our class.