Recupero, David Lee, 85, passed away on May 8, 2026, in Huntington Beach, California. He was born on April 15, 1941, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Salvatore Recupero and Angelina Cottone Recupero.
The youngest of ten children in a Sicilian immigrant family, David moved with his family to Pomona, California, in 1947. He grew up in a small home shaped by family, hard work, and modest means. He began working at age 14, graduated from Pomona Catholic High School in 1959, and later graduated from Saint Mary’s College in 1963.
In 1964, David married Kathleen Faherty in San Marino, California, joining a large Irish family that still enjoys a few bottles of wine every Thanksgiving. Together, Kathy and Dave — lovingly known as “the bundle” — raised three children, traveled the world, and built a life centered on family, faith, and generosity.
David began his career in local government, serving in city management roles in Temple City and Stanton before starting Recupero and Associates, Inc. from the family garage in 1973. The firm grew to represent major landowners, builders, and businesses, helping them navigate local government and obtain the approvals needed to get things done.
David’s life was marked not by what he accumulated, but by what he gave. Whether organizing the Mater Dei Pancake Breakfast, coordinating Pomona Catholic High School reunions, quietly helping someone in need, or making small handmade gifts, he gave generously and without fanfare. He was a maker and fixer whose hobbies included leatherworking, woodworking, stained glass, greeting-card making, and countless projects around the house.
David was predeceased by his nine siblings: Nena, Virginia, Mary, Rose, Tony, Josie, Jim, Lily, and Gene. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy Recupero; his children, Anne Hauscarriague and her husband, John, Michael Recupero and his wife, Lauren, and Sarah Ramos and her husband, Steve; and his four grandchildren, Matthew and William Hauscarriague, and Sofia and Sadie Recupero.
Above all, David lived a simple and selfless life. He had one wife, one home, one business, and he mowed his own lawn. Job well done.
Services will be held on June 24, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Huntington Beach.
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