David “Dave” William Matthew Dayton, 52, of Suffolk, passed away on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. He was born March 10, 1965, in Lawrenceburg, Ind., son of Patricia A. Dayton (The Villages, Florida) and the late Frank W. “Bill” Dayton. He was an extremely kind soul with endless determination, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend whose compassion and good nature always encouraged and uplifted others.

David graduated from Lawrenceburg High School and went on to earn a degree from the Culinary Institute of America, in Hyde Park, N.Y., in 1986. He pursued a successful career in restaurant management in Cleveland and Cincinnati before moving to south Florida in 1989. Looking for adventure and an opportunity to serve his country, he joined the U.S. Navy in 1991. During his naval career, he served honorably, starting as a member of the inaugural crew of the USS George Washington, with additional deployments on the USS Hue City and USS Enterprise. He was deployed to the Persian Gulf during times of conflict, including the months after Sept. 11. David loved to travel the world as part of his service, and was stationed in Crete and Japan, as well as Virginia, Florida and Maine. David took his leadership responsibilities seriously and, towards the end of his career, provided an example to new recruits on professionalism and service. He retired from the U.S. Navy in 2011.

Along with travel, his passions were reading, movies and spending time with his family. David loved cooking for family and friends, as well as telling stories that were (mostly) true. David valued his education and was pursuing an additional degree from Kansas State University. David always looked for ways to help others without being asked, and he did not expect anything in return. Those who knew him knew they had a friend without question, and he will be sorely missed.

On March 5, 2008, David’s life changed for the better when he had a first date with his future wife, Katrina Thompson (Brooklyn, N.Y.). In Katrina, David met a partner, soul mate and other half. On Nov. 5, 2010, Katrina and David were married. During their union, David adopted Katrina’s daughter and his partner in crime, Isabella. His daughter was the center of his world and he doted on her constantly — nope, he actually spoiled her rotten. David was the center of positivity, strength and conviction. David was loved by Katrina and Isabella, and he will live on in their memory and hearts forever.

He is survived by his loving wife, Katrina Dayton; daughter, Isabella; his mother, Patricia Dayton, of The Villages, Florida; siblings: Dianne Matheis (JR) of Jasper, Ind., Mary Barry (Kevin), of Loveland, Ohio, and Michael Dayton (Tracy), of Lutz, Fla. He had six nieces and five nephews.

He is additionally survived by his mother-in-law, Olivia Demun (Brooklyn, N.Y.); his sisters-in-law, Kenyetta Thompson (Brooklyn, N.Y.), Rene Jordan (Brooklyn, N.Y.) and Kathryn Thompson (Chula Vista, Calif.) and brothers-in-law, Edward Murreld (Brooklyn, N.Y.), James Thompson (Boston, Mass.) and David Thompson (Brooklyn, N.Y.).

Funeral arrangements were made with Beyers Funeral Home, Lady Lake, Fla. He will be laid to rest with full military honors from the U.S. Navy at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fla., on June 23, 2017.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of America in David’s honor.

Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, Fla. Online condolences may be left at www.BeyersFuneralHome.com.