In profound sorrow the LaMotta Family announces the passing of, David Reuben LaMotta, 66, of St. Thomas, who passed away, Friday, July 4, 2025.
We bid farewell to our beloved, brother, uncle, great-uncle, nephew, cousin, brother-in law, classmate and friend.
David or Davie as we knew him was a Native Son of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, who was born on December 5, 1958, whose Parents were, Reuben Arturo LaMotta (Father) and Maria Marcelina Encarnación-LaMotta (Mother) who both preceded in death.
David grew up in Contant Gardens, St. Thomas, adjacent to the now Ulla Muller Elementary School, until age 1 ½ when the family moved to their new home in Mahogany Estates where he grew up with his parents and siblings, Mark and Lucy. David attended and graduated from Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic High School, Class of 1976. While in High School David served as an Alter boy and played on the High School Jaguars football team. After graduation , David joined and served in the United States Army where he served two terms, from 1976 to 1982. David, an Honorable Veteran was Honorably discharged with the rank as an SP4 and was awarded several medals. David then attended and studied at The University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Campus, where he graduated from and held two Degrees, one in Business Administration and one in Communications. He also received a Certificate of completion in Paralegal Law. After UVI, David worked for a short time in the Security Department at UVI and as a Lifeguard at Magen’s Bay Authority. He then went on to work at Frenchman’s Reef in the Security Department for 9 ½ years. With health issues that developed with his parents, requiring them needing assistance, David, then assumed care giving and running errands for both of his parents, with whom he lived until their passing. In his free time, David enjoyed reading books, newspapers playing his guitar and assisting his Father Reuben in packing and unpacking instruments for his father, when his father performed at various hotels and the Nantuckett Clipper Cruise Lines when they were in port at Charlotte Amalie waterfront.
David, passed peacefully at home of natural causes, on Friday, July 4. David’s smile, love for his family and cherished, beautiful memories will be most remembered by all.
He was a one of a kind unique Soul and is survived by, his Brother Mark A. LaMotta, his Sister, Lucy J. LaMotta-Krigger, Neice, Kristin M. Krigger, Nephews, Arturo M. LaMotta and André M. LaMotta, Great-Nephew, Aaron R. Krigger, Brother-in-law, Keith R. Krigger, Sister-in-law, Patrice M. LaMotta, Aunts, Linda Encarnación-Radix, Ana Julia Encarnación-Flores and Maria Salomé Encarnación-Hector, Uncle’s Luis “Bullfoot” Encarnación, Uncle’s-in Law Paul Radix, Luis Flores Sr., and Darwin Hector Sr., Cousins Richard and Steve Biello of Puerto Rico, Ina Armstrong, Marion, Monique, Myrta Motta-Boyd, David “DD” Kenneth “Kim” and Richard “Richie” Motta, of St. Croix, Joan Barbel-Sibilly, Leo Barbel III, Robert “Bobby” John, Glenn, Deborah, Denise “Pinky” Keith “Chico” Sr. and Wesley LaMotta, Barbara “Babsie,” and Gregory LaMotta, Carlos “Carlito,” De LaMotta. The 1927 Encarnación Familia of Vieques, PR and St. Croix, VI, The Llanos, Felix, Schuster, Christensen and Jackson Families of St. Croix, VI and The Velasquez and Leguillou Families of Viequez, Puerto Rico and other family and friends too numerous to mention.
Special Neighborhood Friends: Efrain “Junie or EJ” Feliciano, Alson “Ezo” Lockhart, Wayne Claxton, Aubrey “Sonny” Haynes, Ronnie Bonelli, Ashley Williams and Jesus “Papo” Latalladi.
Funeral Service: Thursday, Aug. 7 at 10 a.m, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory, 3815 Crown Bay Ste 10, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI 00802
Internment : Thursday, Aug. 7 at 12 p.m., Western Cemetery #3, Veteran’s Drive, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802
Please send Tribute’s to: tributes.davidlamotta@gmail.com no later than Thursday, July 31.
St. Croix Source
Deaths
