David Hamilton Muir, Jr., 81, of East Haven passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 30, surrounded by his family. Dave was the beloved husband of Patricia (Zukoff) Muir.

Dave was born Feb. 11, 1941, in Providence, Rhode Island. to his parents, David Hamilton, Sr. and Agnes Thomson Muir. Dave grew up in New Haven and attended Hillhouse High School, class of 1958. He had many lifelong friends from the Garden Street Athletic Club, relationships he cherished greatly.

Dave attended Mars Hill College and then served in the United States Army as a military police officer. He spent his career working at Colonial Bank and then for 20 years at Sikorsky Aircraft. Following his retirement from Sikorsky, Dave lived out his childhood dream of being a bus driver, both for the city of New Haven and for Branford Public Schools.

Dave was an avid sports fan. He was inducted into the Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame as a softball umpire. He loved the Red Sox, Mets, and New York Giants. He was a devoted UConn Huskies women’s basketball fan and enjoyed attending games with his very best friend, Mike Ryan. “Uncle Dave” could often be found on the sidelines of his nieces’ softball and basketball games.

Dave’s greatest joy in life came from being around people. He was a kind man who would do anything for you. He loved visiting with family and friends, especially his nieces, nephews, great nieces, and cousins. He had an infectious smile, loved a good cigar, and was a wonderful storyteller. Dave loved being, “Grandpa,” and cherished reading and playing with his two grandchildren.

Along with his wife Patty, Dave leaves behind his daughter Rachael; son Ryan and his wife Danielle; his grandchildren, Sophie and Henry; sister Nancy Welch; sisters-in-law, Linda Konopka and Sherrye Gomes; brothers-in-law, Michael (Michelle) Tracey, Steven Tracey, and Billy Zukoff. Dave also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins located in multiple states.

Dave was predeceased by his parents; brothers-in-law, John Zukoff, Bill Tracey, Frank Zukoff; and sister-in-law Lori Nailor.

To honor Dave’s memory, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s name to SARAH, Inc, 1620 Boston Post Rd, Ste. 200, Westbrook, CT 06498.