Many Phelan locals knew David Jeno, best known, simply as Dave. He worked at Al’s Liquor Store on Phelan Road.  Sadly, he passed away sometime around Independence Day.  Dave had heart issues and had been to the hospital 4 or 5 times recently, according to his dear friend and boss, who drove him to the hospital each time.  “I have so many stores of Dave, but I just cannot speak,” they saw each other every day, the sadness was very apparent.

Friends, many locals to the store, and employees recalled funny moments when they would see Dave at the store.  Dave would always ask folks, “Are you staying out of trouble?” Most would reply, “heck no,” then both would have a good laugh.

Amber Rooney saw him often and would give him rides.  Amber recalled Dave stopping by her work to let her know she had two flat tires and said we need to fix those, and then Dave returned as she got off work to help.  Dave kept his eye out for Amber from then on.   He was friendly and kind to her, and she liked to bring him things when she would see him.

Joleen Grace recalled Dave always being so nice and friendly to her and her boys.   Her youngest always wanted to go see his friend at the “little store.”

When asked about Dave, another friend of his said,  “Dave’s heart problem caused him a lot of pain. He is out of pain now.”

Ray Maranello had nice talks with Dave when he would give Dave a lift across town.  “Dave was a good guy, I loved to help him, and I am going to miss talking to him,” he said.

Little was revealed about Dave’s age, but he attended Phelan Elementary way back in the day, and he spent most of his life in Phelan many people loved him and will smile every time they think of him, and his scruffy beard.  May God bless you, Dave.