David was paralyzed in a wrestling mishap at Coral Park at the age of 17 and spent two years in the hospital.  The following is part of his obituary:

A great soul of unsurpassed grace, courage, wisdom, resilience and love for others has been set free on August 14, 2012, when David Collazo, 64, died peacefully at home after a period of declining health.  After his paralysis, David turned his adversity into an expamle of what the human spirit is capable of accomplishing, enriching the lives of so many who were fortunate to know him.

David was born on March 1, 1948, in Hackensack, NJ and grew up in New Jersey, Maryland and Miami, Florida. He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Florida International University.  He moved to Tuscon in 1975 and worked as a programmer at the University of Arizona Computer Center.  Dduring this time Kathi Abbott became his first caregiver and lifelong friend.  After retiring, Dave continued to design websites.  To give back for all the help he received from so many, Dave tutored dozens of students in a variety of subjects and helped them attain degrees.  He always gave of himself as a mentor, a listener and a firm support for a friend in need.

Dave loved the outdoors and firearms, and with his buddy, Mike Baszynski and others, spent many happy days at the range or cruising the grasslands.  Mike devised an ingenious mobile bed and other devices to help Dave do what he wanted.  Dave's excurions around the western states and Mexico are legendary.  Despite the challenges of holding a needle, Dave was a talented embroiderer, creating award-winning works of art from his own designs.

Dave's spirit of hope and joy will live on in all of us.  To honor his memory, please consider giving time or assistance to someone in need.  Dave would like that.