Register, James David
James David “Dave” Register passed away on Thursday, July 15, 2021, at the age of forty-four.
Born in Macon, Georgia, Dave was ten years old when he and his parents moved to Connecticut.
Even as a child, Dave loved sports, especially swimming, fishing, and hockey. As a true sports aficionado, he became a New York Giants superfan and basked in their Super Bowl victories in 2008 and 2012. Dave also enjoyed the outdoors and loved animals, especially the dogs who were his cherished
companions throughout his life.
Dave had a keen analytical mind. He was fascinated by the mechanics of how cars and machines worked, and in his earlier years, enjoyed playing chess and D&D. He loved building structures large and small, ultimately becoming a member of the Iron Workers Local 15 Union. One of the high points of his career—literally—was when he took part in the festivities commemorating completion of the construction of the Hartford 21 highrise building on Trumbull Street, with the traditional
raising of a Christmas tree positioned atop the last I-beam.
Dave will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his fondness of grilling and adding some extra-spicy hot sauce to his plate, his enjoyment of dancing at weddings, and his delight in engaging in political debates with his father, who was also his best friend. Most of all, Dave will be remembered as a generous and compassionate soul. A gifted carpenter, he crafted a beautiful custom bunny hutch that was donated and is now located in Westmoor Park, an environmental education center in West Hartford. Over a period of several years, he volunteered regularly with a church group that served breakfast at a homeless shelter
in Hartford. He was passionate about equality, acceptance, and justice, and he sought to instill these
principles to his beloved son, James.
Dave is survived by his eleven-year-old son, James Julian Register; his mother, Mary Irby Register; his former wife and James's mother, Monica Barrera; his maternal uncle, John Irby; his aunts, Patricia Patton and Patricia Edwards; his paternal uncle, Charles Register, and Charles's wife, Mona; and a large and loving circle of cousins, extended family, and devoted friends. Dave was predeceased by his father, James Lamar Register.
A memorial service to celebrate Dave's life will take place at Trinity Episcopal Church, 120 Sigourney Street, Hartford, Connecticut, at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021. Flowers are appreciated, but family and friends are invited to honor Dave by making a contribution to his son James's college fund. For more information, please contact the family.