David Edwin Zumwalt, a beloved St. Helena businessman and community advocate, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, with his beloved wife, Sherlyn, by his side. Dave’s legacy is one of unwavering dedication, boundless generosity, and heartfelt compassion. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our community, ensuring that those in need receive the care and support they deserve. We honor his memory and celebrate the profound impact he had on all of us.
Honoring Dave Zumwalt:
A Legacy of Care and Community
How a beloved local businessman turned his passion into a powerful force for good and helped countless local families.
We’d like to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers who have been the heart and soul of our organization’s success. Among these remarkable individuals was the late Dave Zumwalt, affectionately known throughout the Valley as “your friendly Ford dealer.”
In 1998, Dave read an article in the Napa Valley Register about Providence Adult Day Health (then called Adult Day Services) opening to support those with Alzheimer’s or other chronic illnesses and to provide much-needed respite for their caregivers. Inspired by the mission, he soon became our first Adult Day volunteer.
Dave experienced firsthand the challenges of Alzheimer’s and dementia when some of his customers at Zumwalt Ford came in to have safety locks installed on the passenger doors of their cars. “After their spouses were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, they needed to keep their loved ones from opening the car door unexpectedly, to keep them safe,” explained Dave.
“It’s amazing what this program offers not only participants, but caregivers. Some people give up careers and other parts of their own life to take care of their parent or spouse. This program relieves such a huge burden. It became my passion,” he shared.
Dave’s weekly volunteer visits soon evolved into a much more significant commitment. Not long after the Adult Day program launched, it became evident that the organization was rapidly growing and required more space, prompting a move to a larger facility. Seeing firsthand the urgent need for expansion, Dave eagerly joined the capital campaign committee. “The Community Health Napa Valley building wouldn’t exist without Dave,” says Congressman Mike Thompson. “As soon as he saw a need for a safe care facility for members of our community experiencing memory loss, he went to work making it happen. I’m certain had no one answered Dave’s call for donations, he would have built Community Health Napa Valley anyway.
“When Dave called and asked for my help securing federal funding for the project, I was honored to help. But make no mistake: That building is there because of Dave Zumwalt. Dave was trustworthy, honest, fair, and loyal. His commitment to others didn’t stop when construction wrapped. Dave stayed involved with the organization for over 10 years, generously donating his time and money to ensure those in our community had the care they needed. That says a lot about this iconic friend of ours,” adds Congressman Mike Thompson.
Dave was a true champion for the entire organization.
In addition to his love for playing checkers with the Adult Day Services participants, he co-chaired annual fundraisers, supplied a car for the hole-in-one prize at our golf tournament, and served on our board of directors.
He was instrumental in getting the capital campaign off the ground, moving us from cramped, rented quarters into the beautiful building we’re located in today. He was engaged in every moment—from the groundbreaking to the first open house and beyond. His generosity and dedication are evident every time I open our doors.
- Jennifer McConnehey, Director of Philanthropy
This article was featured in our FY2024 Gratitude Report. We invite you to click here to keep reading.