David Thomas Harvatin

David Thomas Harvatin (Dave), 62, of South Riding, VA passed away on November 25, 2021, at Memorial Medical Center. He was born on February 24, 1959, to Joe and Lucille (Donosky) Harvatin, and they preceded him in death.

Dave was raised in Rochester Illinois. Following in his father’s footsteps, he attended the University of Illinois College of Engineering, where in 1981 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering.

After graduation, he accepted a position in Casper Wyoming as a field engineer in oil exploration. When the oil boom dried up, Dave moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado to track satellites for Ford Aerospace. While working there, Dave designed the ground communications system for the Space Shuttle program.

Dave then took time off work and earned a master’s degree and a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Colorado. Afterward he took a position at the Aerospace Corporation in California, eventually transferring to Northern Virginia in 2007. He helped the Pentagon and CIA create new intelligence capabilities to protect our country and was highly respected in the intelligence community. His job took him to Hawaii, Greenland, London, Thailand and the Seychelle Islands among other places.

Dave’s interests included snow skiing, photography, current events and rooting for the Cubs. He was a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers.

Dave was extremely bright with a heart of gold and a gentle soul. He was a fabulous son, sibling and uncle. All were proud to have him in the family during his life, which was cut short far too early due to a vicious and aggressive cancer of the gall bladder.

He is survived by two brothers, James D. (Ellen) Harvatin of Normal, Ted (Monica) Harvatin of Springfield and one sister, Marilyn Sue Harvatin of Springfield, nephew Alex Harvatin and ten step-nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm, Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 1:00 pm, Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield with Floyd Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at Rochester Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers.

CDC protocol shall be followed.

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