David Mills

August 02, 1950 ~ December 15, 2024

David Bruce Mills was born on August 2, 1950, in Spokane, WA, and passed away peacefully at his home in Staten Island, NY, on December 15, 2024. He is lovingly remembered by his partner of 24 years, Linda Lo; his Aunt Jackie Meyer; his sister Sondi Mills and her two sons Brent and Shawn; his three children, Maresa Volante, David Volante, and Dominic Volante; their partners; his former wife, Joanna Volante, and his cherished grandchildren, Iola Volante, Asher Volante, and Rowan Volante. David also shared a special bond with Linda’s daughters, Stephanie Lo Rutkowsky and Diane Fehr, along with their children Olivia, Wyland, Ava and Melanie.

David was lovingly adopted by Wilda (Deeda) and Edgar Mills, and his childhood was spent traveling across the West Coast and Hawaii as his father managed the opening of new JC Penney stores. He graduated from Kalani High School in Hawaii and pursued higher education in the arts. David attended Linfield College in McMinnville, OR, studied sculpture at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and earned a BA in Art from Cal Poly Humboldt.

An incredibly talented woodworker, David poured his creativity into a variety of crafts. He created cabinets, kayaks, bows and arrows, jewelry boxes, tables, hat presses, and did expert restoration of antique furniture. His craftsmanship also extended to set-building for Sea World and producing reproduction artwork for hotels. David’s creations are treasured by friends, family, and countless clients, serving as a lasting testament to his artistry.

David was also deeply committed to giving back. As a dedicated volunteer, he generously gave his time to organizations such as AARP, NY Cares, AmeriCorps Seniors, and food pantries like El Centro Food Pantry, City Harvest, and the South Shore Community Food Pantry. He also lent his efforts to the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen and Trinity Lutheran Church Soup Kitchen.

David had a thriving career as Santa Claus that began at the young age of 9 when his mom gifted him his first Santa suit. As time went on, he grew (as did his beard) into the role, starting professionally in 2001 at St. Edward’s Food Pantry at Mount Loretto on Staten Island. His life as Santa expanded to include organizations such as the Salvation Army, Trinity Lutheran Church, Person Centered Care Services, Wild Child Play Space, Mark’s Bakery, Cops Care for Kids, the
Port Richmond Tree Lighting, and most recently at Fort Wadsworth for Coast Guard families. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas and founded the Staten Island chapter. Regardless of the season, children recognized David as Santa, and he took great pride in keeping the magic alive.

David’s warmth and generosity were evident in the countless lives he touched. Among his closest friends were Alan McKenzie, Hap Kuffner, Harry Oppenheimer and his wife Nina, Tony Accardi, Mike Virga, and Joe Preach. His legacy of compassion, creativity and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his memory bring comfort to his loved ones and continue to inspire those who were lucky enough to call him family or friends.