David Riston

David Curtis Riston passed away on January 19, 2022, at his home in Pomfret, MD, at the age of 49.  He was affectionately known as “Curt” to his family and “Dave” to everyone else.  He was the cherished son of Vikki Avey and the beloved younger brother of Craig.  He was the loving “special Dad” of extended family Emily, Jessica, and Michael; the sweet Godson of Martha Ferraro; and the good buddy of his Mom’s puppy “Lulu”.  He was preceded in death by his beloved Grandparents Ray and Emogene Avey and Great-Grandmother Thelma Avey.  He is also the son of Douglas Riston, Sr.

Curt graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, MD, and went to work almost immediately for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in Washington, DC.  He started in the mail room where he worked for several years, meeting many people and making many friends.  He then worked in the Per Capita Department for many years, eventually becoming a manager; and because of his love for IT, transferred to the IT Department several years ago.  He loved working for IBEW – he worked there for 31 years and was very much looking forward to his retirement in 5 years.

Curt enjoyed spending time with his family and friends; he loved 1950-1960’s muscle cars (he bought his first beat-up Chevy Camaro when he was 16).  When he was little, he loved Monster Trucks and Monster Truck Rallies (his Mom went with him to the Capital Center to see every Monster Truck Rally there was); he loved going to Starbucks; he loved Mexican food; he liked to watch TikTok and Youtube; he loved nature and being outdoors; and he was a big fan of heavy metal bands (he sneaked into the “9:30 Club” in Georgetown when he was 14 to see his favorite band, King Diamond, and was so excited when he was able to meet them after the performance).

Curt loved animals and was active in animal rescue, conservation, and education.  From an early age, he started rescuing animals that needed help -he saved a litter of baby bunnies when he was 8; he often stopped his car on the side of the road to rescue a turtle or frog; he saved a squirrel from a feral cat and nursed it back to health; he rescued a dog (Duke) from an abused home and then made him part of our family; and he helped free a dog who had gotten his head stuck in an iron fence (our Black Lab Jessie).

Curt was a man of great kindness, compassion, and unwavering love for his family and friends; he was always helping someone who needed help.  He was a man of great integrity, honor, and honesty.  He was hard-working, always happy and smiling, and had a great sense of humor – no one could make his Mom laugh as much as he did – he always saw life through a humorous lens and tried to make others do the same.

Curt was truly a “Shining Star” in this world – he was our family’s sweet boy and one of our greatest blessings and treasures, we will love him and miss him forever.

A Memorial Service for Curt will be held on Sunday, March 6, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at Gasch’s Funeral Home, 4739 Baltimore Avenue, Hyattsville, MD  20781.  Please note – this service will be very casual – you don’t have to get dressed up – Curt was a very casual guy and hated getting dressed up.  If you just want to come and spend a few moments signing the guest book, that’s fine – if you want to come for the service, that’s fine too – and if you want to share comments or stories about Curt, that’s even better – whatever you are comfortable with – that is what Curt would want.