David John Charette

DAVID CHARETTE 1962 - 2026 David John Charette of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026 at age 63 following his courageous four month fight to overcome a Traumatic Brain Injury he suffered during a fall. David leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, from his original roots in Barrington, Rhode Island, to the sunny shores of Southwest Florida. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on November 11, 1962, David seemed to arrive in the world with a witty sense of humor and a hockey stick in hand. He was the beloved son of Phyllis Charette of East Providence, Rhode Island, and the late Thomas Charette of Barrington, Rhode Island. Raised in Barrington, David’s love for hockey began at an early age and quickly became one of the defining passions of his life. He attended East Providence High School, where he excelled on the ice and earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and competitors alike. Fueled by determination and a deep love for the game, Dave’s talent led him to the Green Bay Bobcats in the Junior American Hockey League. He earned a scholarship to the University of Illinois, Chicago, where he proudly played Division I hockey. The values of the game shaped every chapter that followed and could be seen in the way David worked, loved, and showed up for the people around him. For more than 25 years, David dedicated himself to Home Depot, where he led Contractor Sales and built lasting relationships grounded in trust and respect. Later, he joined Sprouts Farmers Market, in charge of the Receiving Department at one of Southwest Florida’s flagship locations. In every role, David brought the same quiet strength, supportive and decisive leadership a tremendous sense of humor along with great skill that had made him so successful on the ice. Beyond hockey, Dave was a devoted animal lover whose dogs brought him immeasurable joy over the years. Whether it was cheering on the Bruins or the Patriots from his favorite spot, there was always one of his loyal companions nearby. More than anything, David’s heart belonged to his wife, Erin O’Brien. Through all the seasons of their thirty-seven years, theirs was a love rich with laughter, bright with adventure, and punctuated by cherished days in the sun and ocean. Truly, together was the only way their worlds moved forward. Dave was the dear brother to five siblings: Susan (Steven) Cardente of Barrington, Rhode Island; Thomas “Chet” (Patricia) Charette of Barrington, Rhode Island; Jennifer (James) Braz of Barrington, Rhode Island; Melissa Polom of North Kingstown, Rhode Island; and John (Cindy) Charette of Lincoln University, Pennsylvania. David is also survived by adoring in-laws who loved him as one of their own. While he was preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Joseph and Edwynna O’Brien, David leaves behind his sister-in-law Katherine (Joseph) Wirth, brother-in-law Patrick (Dorota) O’Brien, and sister-in-law Colleen (Zane) Stoneman." Together, he leaves 23 very beloved nieces and nephews. Though the final buzzer has sounded far too soon, those who loved David can find comfort in believing he is reunited with those whom he has loved and have departed before him.

David John Charette

November 11, 1962 - May 18, 2026