David Edward Armstrong, 82, of South Daytona, Florida passed away surrounded by his loving family, at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach on Sunday morning, March 1, 2026. 

He was born in Springfield Massachusetts on November 12th, 1943 and grew up in Westfield and West Springfield Massachusetts. He attended Abner Gibbs Elementary School, West Springfield High School and Paul Smith College in upper New York state where he studied surveying and forestry.

David was a veteran serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict. After returning home, David pursued his enjoyment of the outdoors, ice skating and snow skiing in the winter months and hiking in the woods usually with the companionship of his dog Lazz and his cat Smoker. Always having a love of animals, he adopted several stray cats which he loved and cared for. His love of the cinema and photography were among his hobbies. 

He was employed by several industries in the West Springfield area including HEMCO Tool and Die and Columbia Manufacturing. He was also co-owner of the Hotspur Restaurant, a historic Inn along the John Knox Trail in Otis Massachusetts. David moved to Wilbraham as a landscaper for several mobile home parks owned by Patricia Grochmal and her two sons Mark and Stanley. He later became her fiance until her untimely demise.

David later migrated to Florida where he worked in the Volusia County School system where he retired after many years of service.

His family includes his sister, Mrs. Joan Kopshina, her husband Keith of Port Orange, Florida and their son Kyle of Jacksonville, Florida. He is preceded by his father Albert Edward Armstrong and mother Madeline Baker Armstrong of West Springfield.

He will be missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at the Countryside Club House in Port Orange to honor his memory at a later date.

It was his request to return his remains to his native Massachusetts.