David Michael Youpa
David M. Youpa, 65, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, California.
He was born and raised in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, son of John and Patricia (Shay) Youpa. In addition to his parents and father-in-law, Steven Andrews, David was preceded in death by his first cousin Susan (Grammes) Mezzanotte.
Growing up with his parents and two sisters, Donna and Diane, David enjoyed a happy-go-lucky childhood in his close knit, extended family environment where regular dinner parties, picnics at Walters Park and Hoffman’s Grove and summer vacations in Seaside Heights were the norm. Also, there was always time for a friendly game of quoits or card games like dealer’s choice poker or Blitz.
After high school, David enrolled in Stockton University in Pomona and embraced the southern New Jersey lifestyle where he eventually settled in the Atlantic City area during the casino boom of the early 80’s working in the food and beverage industry.
In 1989, David headed west for more sunshine and warmer weather with a move to Santa Barbara, California, which would prove to become his permanent home. The Jersey boy adapted very well to the moderate, year-round temperatures and the laid-back lifestyle of sunny California.
“Jersey Dave” was a big personality in the food and beverage industry in Santa Barbara for many years. There David met his future wife, Jeanette Andrews. They married in a Las Vegas wedding chapel in February 2001. While becoming a friend of Bill’s, “Jersey Dave” found fellowship, serenity and opportunities to serve the Santa Barbara community on a whole new level.
David eventually found his true passion in the home healthcare field when he enrolled in Santa Barbara City College Nursing program and obtained his Certified Nursing Assistant license specializing in elder care. In particular, his work with hospice patients and their family members was where he truly shined.
In David’s own words: When anyone asks how I want to be remembered, please say the following about me: “Loved Wife, Family, Golf, AA and to make people laugh.”
David enjoyed traveling to the East Coast visiting family and exploring California, especially cruising the Highway 1 to Pebble Beach. He loved his ‘70s rock, listening to Todd Rundgren, James Taylor, Elton John and Steely Dan to name a few. During annual camping trips with family and friends, he proudly demonstrated his skills building the perfect, “upside down fire.”
David is survived by his twin sister, Donna Leon and her husband Charlie, his younger sister Diane Ziegler and her husband Charlie Supenis, nephew Joshua Leon (Yesenia), niece Brittany DeAngelis (Kevin), nephew Adam Ziegler (Yamilca) and nephew Benjamin Ziegler, his friend and former wife, Jeanette Andrews, mother-in-law, Alice Andrews and also his Uncle Mike Shay (Zee) and Uncle James Youpa as well as many cousins and family friends.
An East coast celebration of life honoring David will be planned for a later date.
In remembrance of “Jersey Dave,” please consider donating to your local Animal Shelter Assistance Program (like ASAP Cats in Santa Barbara, California) or to students pursuing home healthcare careers.
