ORMOND BEACH – With his journalism degree in hand from West Virginia University, David J. Castagnacci headed south to take a job as a reporter with the Daytona Beach News-Journal in 1978.

After stints as a New Smyrna Beach bureau chief and government reporter, he was recruited by the Daytona Regional Chamber to head up a new group – the Volusia County Association for Responsible Development.

Castagnacci, 71, was found dead in his Ormond Beach home Oct. 22, 2025. As word of his death circulated, some of his many friends and colleagues commented on the Facebook post.

To a person, they mourned their friend. "Dave was the definition of a nice guy and a true professional," said one.

Dave was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism and a major in journalism, with a minor in political science.

He retired in 2016 from VCARD as their first executive director after serving as a liaison between Central Florida's business community and government planners and regulators for 31 years. For many years, he was the chair of the Convention and Visitors Bureau's Arts and Culture Committee.

His personal interests included reading, current events and creative writing. He loved traveling, the outdoors and collecting art.

Survivors include Curtis Heming, his companion; one sister, Marilyn Carelli (Larry), Blairsville, Pennsylvania; two nieces and four nephews and too many close friends to name.

Memorial donations may be made to: Cinematique of Daytona, P.O. Box 1105, Daytona Beach, Fl. 32115; Perfect Whiskers Rescue, 49 Pinto Lane, Ormond Beach, FL 32174; St. Jude Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929

Memorial Service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 201 University Blvd., Daytona Beach.