David Lee Parks

David Parks, 38, of Ruskin, Florida, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, February 6, 2026. He was born in Somerville, New Jersey, and grew up in Finderne, New Jersey on Schindler Terrace, where he met his lifelong friends before later moving to Hillsborough, FL.

There is one lifelong friend he considered more of a brother than friend, Michael Petritsch. David and Michael were inseparable growing up living on Schindler Terrace, always outside playing with their other friends whether it was at the park, playing sports, building clubhouses in the woods, or just hanging out on someone's back patio playing monopoly.

David graduated from Hillsborough High School and went on to earn his Associate’s Degree from Raritan Valley Community College. His love of fish began at a young age while fishing with his grandparents. That passion continued through his many years working at Casey & Trixie’s Pet Supply and ultimately became his lifelong career. On July 11, 2011, David joined Segrest Farms, where he spent nearly 15 years excelling and developing an extensive knowledge of all things fish. He took great pride in his work and genuinely enjoyed sharing his expertise with others. His dedication and knowledge earned him recognition within the industry, and he was proud to contribute to publications and professional discussions that advanced the field he cared so deeply about.

David also had a lifelong love of dinosaurs that began in childhood when his older sister, Rachel, took him to see Jurassic Park. During the movie, David turned to her and loudly exclaimed, “I TOLD YOU THEY WERE REAL!” in a packed theater. From that moment on, dinosaurs became a defining passion. At times, Rachel worried that between dinosaurs, Warhammer models, and playing Magic, he might be labeled a “dork,” but everyone who met David loved him for exactly who he was. His unique passions, quick wit, and infectious enthusiasm made him unforgettable to all who knew him. He had a natural sense of humor that could light up any room and a way of making even ordinary moments feel special.

Through his work at Segrest Farms, David met his love, Regiane Santos. What began as a shared workplace connection grew into a deep and enduring partnership built on laughter, loyalty, and unwavering support. He shared a rare and beautiful love with his fiancée, Regiane Santos. Their relationship was marked by constant laughter, fierce loyalty, and the quiet, steady support that only true partners give one another. As best friends, they dreamed openly of their future — of growing old together and building a life filled with love and simple happiness. David proposed with excitement and certainty about the life they would share, and they were joyfully planning their wedding. While their time together was not long enough, the depth of their bond was profound and will forever be cherished.

David was preceded in death by his grandparents, Virginia and John Parks, and Hellen and Lawrence Farrar. He is survived by his fiancé, Regiane Santos; his mother, Patricia Parks; his father, David Parks; his sister, Rachel Parks; and many close friends and family members.

David Lee Parks was…The Best Son; The Best Brother; The Best Friend; The Best Fiancé, ever. XXXOOO

A Celebration of Life service will be held in Florida at Calvary Church in Ruskin, March 1st, at 2:00pm.

A future memorial is being planned in New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Project Piaba (Brazil) at https://projectpiaba.org, an organization close to David’s heart that reflects his lifelong passion for fish and aquatic conservation.