GLIAC Mourns the Passing of NMU Sports Information Director Dave Faiella

Born April 28, 1961 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of Patrick and Kathleen (Strause) Faiella, David was raised in Toledo and graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School. He was a Division 1 NCAA swimmer at Bowling Green State University where he received his bachelor's degree in communication with a major in radio-TV-film and later earned his master's degree in sports communication from the University of Iowa while serving as an assistant swimming coach.

David spent twelve years (1989-2001) at the University of Findlay as the sports information director and, in 1996, served as press officer at the Summer Olympics in Atlanta and then at the 1998 Goodwill Games in New York City. In August 2001, he joined the Northern Michigan University staff as assistant sports information director, and became the director in 2003. He served on media relations at two Olympic Festivals and at the Nations Bank Pan Pacific Championships in Atlanta. David was also a member of the American Swimming Coaches Association and a Level V coach. More than 40 of his publications have won awards.

In his leisure, David loved to travel and surf, and was known for his contributions as a swimming coach while living in the Toledo area. He was an avid and enthusiastic fan of Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees, and the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

David is survived by his mother, Kathleen Faiella; and his brother, Dennis Faiella, both of Maumee, OH; and his best friends, Alicia Makela and her son, Zachary Makela of Negaunee.

Honoring David's request, no services will be scheduled. It was also his request that he be a Gift of Life donor. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: The Nichole Faiella Scholarship Fund, St. Ursula Academy, 4025 Indian Road, Toledo, OH 43606.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at www.fassbenderswanson.com.