David Crowell “Tank” Tankoos, 67, of New Haven, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, November 22, 2017. Born on February 25, 1950 to the late William Grannis Tankoos and Elizabeth Percival Blanchard Tankoos. Very proud father to Katherine Tankoos Iannaccone (Paul, Jaden, Jaxen) and Sarah Blanchard Tankoos (Todd). Brother to William G. Tankoos, Jr. (Theo), Lindsay Geelhood (Greg), Caroline Tankoos and Judy Tankoos. Uncle to Ryan Tankoos (Loni), Grant Tankoos and Eric Gidley (Sarah). Dave was the former husband of Elizabeth Collins who has been an enormous support for him and their daughters, and of whom he loved very deeply. The light of his life and “best medicine” was his grandson, Jaxen, who made him laugh and cry with pride. They spent endless hours together singing with the Beatles, playing puzzles, reading books, matching nuts and bolts and building legos. Jaxen was his inspiration and motivation during the last years of his life, and he shared stories and videos of him far and wide to his family and friends. He cherished every moment with him, and watching his daughter, Kayte, and his former wife, Liz, teach him new songs, games, and words brought pure joy and warmth to his heart and spirit. He was an excellent grandfather, Dad, and husband for many years, and created beautiful memories with his family throughout his life. Raised in Darien, David attended Thomas Moore School in New Hampshire, Thiel College in Greenville, PA, where he earned his BA in English, and a Masters in Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University. He worked in the educational field until his retirement: The Grove School in Madison, Curriculum Associates in North Billerica, MA, and Woodhouse Academy in Milford. He was an amazing influence on his students, colleagues and friends throughout the years. He was always someone whom you could count on for deep conversation about life, current events, history, movies, TV shows, literature, and the human experience. He had a great sense of humor and loved cracking jokes in good spirits with everyone he loved. He always lent a helping hand, a listening ear, and an open heart when his loved ones needed him. He always accepted and loved people for who they were, holding compassion and understanding with everyone in every situation. Dave left deep footsteps in the hearts of all whom he spent time with. He was patient, kind, thoughtful, sensitive, and wore his heart on his sleeve every day of his life. He felt life very deeply and expressed his love, admiration, and pride abundantly to those he adored. He enjoyed long heartfelt talks and special moments with his daughters. He loved movies, Broadway Musicals, the Beach Boys, the Andy Griffith Show, stand up comedy, Friends, and just started watching Curb Your Enthusiasm. He loved teaching, telling “Dave” stories, as his students would say, and he encouraged those around him to develop new perspectives, and see through the eyes of others. Dave enjoyed swimming in the ocean, being a Dad and a Granddad, nature, gardening, riding bikes, long drives, long walks, videotaping all holidays and birthdays, taking his kids to soccer and swim practice, cooking, and taking care of his family and friends. He made the best French toast, lasagna, and sweet yams with corn flakes. He gave his heart to everyone in every breath, every moment and every conversation. Dave had a close circle of friends and a church community that provided a wonderful support system for him and he provided great strength and motivation to them, as well. He cared about his friends deeply and he will be sorely missed. The family would like to thank Dave’s friends for all their love and support throughout the years. Predeceased by his niece Juliette Gidley, former father and mother in law John and Catherine Collins, and close friends Frank and Sheila Tchitcherine.
Funeral services will be conducted in the Mount Carmel Congregational Church at 3284 Whitney Ave, Hamden, on Tuesday morning, November 28th at 10:00. Interment will follow in the North Haven Center Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 75 Executive Drive, Suite 327, Aurora, IL 60504 or https://www.angelman.org
Our deepest sympathy to all of Dave’s family. He was a big part of our Woodhouse community, even having a room named in his honor! He was loved by his students and all the staff who had the privilege to know him. Personally, we were Kindle buddies, sharing books and talking about authors all the time, in addition to working together for over 8 years. I will miss him deeply. Rest In Peace, Dave. You will be missed💕
Kayte and Sarah,
I am so saddened to learn of your dad’s passing. He will be missed by so many. He touched people in such a deep way. As my high school love, he helped me grow so much. His humor and kindness pulled me out of my shell. He has an enduring place in my heart. I was happy for him having such a wonderful family. He was incredibly proud of both of you, and rightfully so. He came alive for Jaxen. He was a remarkable person. I am out of town visiting my newborn grandson. Dave told me that this new role of grandparent would change my life. He said to enjoy every minute as he did. I am so soot that I can’t be at the funeral but you will all be in my thoughts.
I grew up In Darien and my family was very close to the entire Tankoos family. I remember many happy times with David and all his siblings. Many fond memories too of boating with David, his father and Lindsay. David was so kind and a very caring person. He had the kindest things to say when my brother Johnny died. I know you will all miss him terribly. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Love, Jan
My sympathies to my sister, Elizabeth, my nieces, Kayte and Sarah, my great nephew Jaxen, my nephews Paul and Todd, and the Tankoos family. Dave was kind, caring, compassionate, and patient. His sense of humor entertained many. I remember with fondness many Christmas holidays. Dave was always ready with his video camera to record special and spontaneous moments of Kayte and Sarah growing up. Larry, Paul, Rebecca, and I (the Samuels family) give our deepest condolences to all of you. May Dave rest in peace, and may a Light perpetual shine upon him. May our Lord comfort you, and grant you peace and hope during this difficult time. Love, Aunt Peggy
Judy and Carley, my deepest sympathies go out to you and your family,
Always keep the loving memories in your heart.
I have so many wonderful memories of my younger days in Darien with your SPECIAL family. I am very saddened by your loss. And what a Beautififul obituary. I think Dave touched many lives. Love and prayers to all of you.
I’m so sorry and sad to read this heart wrenching news. From here on the west coast we send to all the family and Dave’s friends our love and heartfelt condolences. Though we did not know Dave, we certainly got a tender picture and understanding of him from this beautiful testament in his memory. We are so sorry for everyone’s deep loss. Karen, Tom and family
Tank, you brought tremendous light and deep love into this world. I am honored to have had the privilege of your friendship and to have been the beneficiary of your kindness. You have touched so many people in so many ways. You will be sorely missed. Your family has my deepest sympathy and hear felt condolences.
I will always remember you as a very fair and comforting person. You were one of the the good ones. Save me a seat.
Dear Sarah and Katherine, I met Dave while serving this year as a supply pastor at Pilgrim Congregational Church in New Haven. He spoke so lovingly about you both and your families. The life tribute you put together is a beautiful summary of who Dave has been to those of us fortunate enough to know and spend time with him. Besides his being so supportive of my ministry, we enjoyed special lunches together at one of his favorite restaurants-Greek Olive on Long Wharf. My thoughts are with you as you remember and celebrate your dad’s life.
I’ll miss you Dave. I knew and loved you as a child but really got to know you as an adult. We had some good chats and it was so comforting to know you were always there. Rest In Peace my friend.
My heart hurts. I want to wake up from this awful nightmare. Please let this be an episode of Dallas.
I will miss Dave at Pilgrim so much…. he is such a gift to the world, to all who know him, for his joyful presence.
We are very saddened by Dave’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to Kayte, Sarah and all of Dave’s family. We will always remember Dave as a kind and generous neighbor and friend. He will be missed dearly. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to the Tankoos family. David’s passing has left a hole that time will ease some of the pain. Judy and Carley, your friends mourn with you.
The last time I saw Dave was at Peter Pine’s memorial service. The Music Box was a hangout for kids in town during the era of the Beatles and Beach Boys, and Dave was right there behind the counter working for Peter. We shared some good laughs and stories about some of the people we knew who came in.
Dave was great. My best to all who loved him
Ed, you made me laugh. Dad would always talk about The Music Box and Peter Pine. One day, we stopped at a gas station randomly, and Peter Pine just happened to be parked on his motorcycle and my dad said ‘it’s Peter Pine!’ And my sister and I laughed and said ‘Dad, you do not know that guy on the bike!’ And sure enough, he did! And they talked…. and he introduced us. But it was just so funny because we really didn’t believe him at first and it was just such a random Peter Pine sighting! Thank you for sharing, and making me laugh.
Dave,
I found the last email from you dated October 5. This was my reply. I know you have gone to a better place and you are now where all those troubles that finally brought your physical life to an early end are but a distant memory. However, I thought I’d send you one last message by way of the “G” Cloud.
Alice and I were out of State the day of your services and we were sorry we were unable to be there. You were so much a part of our life at Grove and the memories of all those times still linger. How we worked together, you, me, Bob, Dick Fresolone, and Howard, was incredible. We were a team and we really made a difference. We shared a lot of good times, and made it through some of the sad times. I am glad we kept up our correspondence and get-togethers, but wish it could have been more.
I had lunch with Judge Jeff in Madison shortly before you passed and we shared so much. You were mentioned quite affectionately.
I thank good ol’ Dr. Young not only for all he has done to keep my ticker going but for how he must have worked his hardest for you. Kayte mentioned in her wonderful tribute to you that you passed in your sleep. What a way to go, you scoundrel! I should be so lucky. Hey, she even said that you passed with your CPAP mask on. What a good sleep apnea patient. I try to keep my mask on but often must remove it as it makes so much noise that it not only wakes Alice, but keeps me awake until I rip it off.
I got a letter from Bank of America today which used your address from when you were staying with us. Now, I must try to find out to whom it needs to be forwarded.
Well, I am signing off. I’ll try to get back to you from time to time. In the meantime, keep an eye on your family from your new perch.
With great respect and friendship,
Dick & Alice
Thank you for sharing 🙂