December 26, 2022
It is with a heavy heart that we let you know that Free Range Ukulele Society of Oak Park (FRUSOP) Meetup member David Culp, otherwise known as “Banjolele Dave,” has passed away.
Dave (August 7, 1939 - December 26, 2022) joined the FRUSOP Meetup on September 6, 2016, and we know he came to 141 meetups, but he was coming to meetups before he joined, so it was more than that. He always dressed up, or wore something special that oftentimes featured a chicken or a rooster. One of our standard start of meetup questions is, “Who has any new, or new to you, instrument?” and it was funny how often Dave held up a banjo ukulele. Banjolele was the only instrument he played.
The last FRUSOP meetup Dave was at was on November 17, 2022.
Dave was also a regular at the Tuesday Night FRUSOP Extension Group originally known as the Sam Ash Group, and the monthly UJM Ukulele Club in Westmont, Illinois. He would tell us if the Westmont Meetup was being held the next Saturday morning when we asked for announcements. And he usually joined the Friends of FRUSOP performances whenever another FRUSOP member found an opportunity to entertain other people and groups with our singing and playing.
FRUSOP member Nikki Dahlin, who initially told us about his death, said this about Dave: “He was such a kind, caring person, and so many people knew him.” This is one of her favorite pictures of him:
FRUSOP member Vito Pingitore said, “Dave was a great guy; always happy and eager to tell me the age and story behind each of his many banjo ukuleles.”
FRUSOP member Ed Miller said, “Many remembrances of Banjo Dave and his colorful shirts, big, friendly smile, and collection of antique banjo ukes. A true Ukulele Ambassador !!”
FRUSOP member Jennifer Byron said, “This fills me with sadness, i have some pics of him and will look for them and forward them on. I second everything you've said, always with a smile and a new banjolele and funny shirt. He will be missed!”
Nikki found out that Dave specifically told his family that he did not want a memorial service.
In addition to dressing nicely, Banjolele Dave always wore a smile. May his memory be for a blessing.
Dave seen at the November 17, 2022, FRUSOP meetup.
Thank you to FRUSOP members Nikki Dahlin, Lisa Golladay, and Chris McIntosh for their help in creating this page.
If you have comment and/or a picture you would like to share on this page, please contact Alvin.
