David John Shanosky lived a life marked by quiet strength, faith, and consistent selflessness. He was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend who always put the needs of others ahead of his own. At 6’4”, Dave’s presence was unmistakable, yet he carried himself with humility and grace, grounded in who he was and what mattered most.

Dave’s faith was deep and lived through action rather than words. It showed itself in his patience, his steadiness, and the way he showed up for others day after day. He lived with integrity and a strong sense of responsibility to the people in his life.

Above all else, Dave lived for his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Dionne, and their three children, Benjamin, Grace, and Preston, who were the center of his world. Dave was a hands-on, present father who took pride in being there, whether for everyday moments or life’s bigger milestones. Being a husband and a father was not something he took lightly; it was the role he valued most.

Dave began his professional career as an Auditor at Rothstein Kass before building a long and respected insurance career in New York City. He spent the final 18 years of his career at RLI Insurance Company, where he served as Vice President, Eastern Zone Manager. Prior to RLI, he worked at Chubb, CNA, and AON. Dave valued the relationships he built throughout his career, particularly the friendships formed at RLI, where integrity, fairness, and mutual respect mattered.

He was a proud graduate of Rutgers Business School, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. While at Rutgers, Dave was a letterwinner for the Men’s Heavyweight Crew Team and a member of the Chi Psi Fraternity. He later earned his MBA in Risk Management and Insurance from the University of North Texas.

Rutgers remained close to Dave’s heart throughout his life. He was a devoted Rutgers football fan, attending games regardless of record or weather, even in bitter cold. He also cherished the annual Chi Psi dart tournament, which gave him the opportunity to reconnect with fraternity brothers and longtime friends.

Some of Dave’s most enduring friendships began more than 50 years ago in Somerset, in the neighborhood where he grew up and attended grade school at St. Matthias, and later continued at St. Peter’s High School in New Brunswick. At St. Peter’s, Dave found great joy in the people around him and was a member of the football and basketball teams. Those friendships lasted a lifetime. Time and distance never weakened those bonds; conversations picked up easily, laughter came quickly, and the connection remained strong. Dave valued friendship and believed it did not require constant contact, only trust, gratitude, and shared history.

Home was at the center of Dave’s life. He and Dionne created a home that welcomed family and friends, often serving as the gathering place for reunions and time shared. Dave took great pride in caring for his home and found satisfaction in its routines like mowing the lawn, tending his vegetable garden, regularly working out at the Somerset Hills YMCA, and building an impressive fire to burn the sticks he gathered, something he was well known for among neighbors. He brewed beer to share, spent time in the kitchen cooking for his family, and enjoyed golfing and being outdoors.

Dave’s parents, Leo and Helen, were central figures throughout his life. His father coached Dave’s childhood football teams and inspired his career in the insurance industry. Together, his parents shared their love of travel with Dave, taking him on many trips to see the world. Dave also shared a close relationship with his mother, Helen, who remained an important presence in his life and in the life of his family. They continued to travel together, attend Broadway plays, and share many weekend meals at her home.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Helen Shanosky.

Dave is survived by his siblings Chris and Kathy Shanosky of Lake Mary, Florida; Leeann and Rick Clark of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Mark and Maureen Shanosky of West Grove, Pennsylvania. He was a loving uncle to Alyssa, Alex, Thomas, Matthew, Jessica, Bradley, Tyler, Luke, Todd, and Conor, and a devoted member of the extended Shanosky and Serdula families.

Dave will be remembered for his integrity, humility, faith, and selflessness. He lived simply, gave himself freely, and showed his love through steady presence and care. He will be deeply missed, and the impact of his life will live on through his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those wishing to honor Dave’s memory to make a donation to the Rutgers Men’s Crew Fund.

https://give.rutgersfoundation.org/mens-crew-fund/11903.html