David Robert Dugan, 70, Houtzdale, PA, formerly of Johnstown, PA, and Minot, ND, died February 16, 2024, from complications with a hard fought battle with cancer, surrounded by his daughters, supported by his family, and listening to his favorite band, Grand Funk Railroad.
David was born March 18, 1953 to the late Robert and Zelda (Grove) Dugan. Dave graduated from Bishop Carroll High School in 1971 and in 1973, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, which gave him the chance to travel the world. After basic training and a brief time in Germany, he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base in 1975 and remained there for the majority of his twenty-four year military career, with a brief assignment at MacDill Air Force base in Tampa, where his second favorite daughter was born. His first favorite daughter was born in Minot a few years prior.
After retiring in 1996, he attempted to perfect his golf game, but Duggie was better at making friends than playing golf at his home away from home, Roughrider Golf Course at Minot Air Force Base. He was so proud of his time in the military and grateful for the friends he made along the way. He’d say “that was righteous.” In 2003, Dave moved back to Pennsylvania where he eventually became a correctional officer with the prison system in Houtzdale. After retiring, he remained in Houtzdale until his death. After Dave fought so hard the last couple of years, it was time for him to “un-ass the A.O.” A special thank you to the palliative care unit at UPMC-Altoona.
Dave is survived by his children, Brandi (Howard) Fjeld, Dawn Palumbo, and Sean (Dana) Dugan; grandchildren, Savannah (Eddie) Quinn, Casey, Kinsey, and Cooper Fjeld, Lily and Kate Palumbo, and Cacie Dugan; great-grandchild, Oliver Quinn; brothers, Robert, Tim (Elise), Doug, and Roger (Beth); sisters, Mary Kay Dugan and Ellen (Jack) Machuta, numerous nieces and nephews, and partner Kim Conway.
Dave was preceded in death by his grandson, Joseph Palumbo.
Private services will be held at a later date.
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