David E. Field

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of a life both quietly remarkable and deeply felt by all who had the privilege to know it. 

On March 23, 2026 David Ernest Field of Northville, MI slipped out of this world much the way he lived in it — on his own terms, proudly and without a fuss, secure in the knowledge that his last big project of re-painting a bedroom would go on just as he preferred - just south of unfinished (if you know, you know)!

Born in Detroit to Marjorie and Leonard Field in 1945, David grew up with the city of Detroit ingrained in his consciousness. While English/Irish/French by heritage, Detroit ultimately mirrored his true cultural identity: grit, hustle, fierce pride and steadfast loyalty. 

A proud alumni of Cass Technical High School, David received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and became a middle school teacher in the Detroit Public School System. Not one to be held back by much, David, inspired by a close friend (and a bit of competitiveness!), pursued his Juris Doctor at night via Wayne State University, a choice that led to a prolific 37 year career with the Allstate Insurance Company, retiring in 2013 as Allstate’s regional counsel for Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.

In addition to his legal career with Allstate, David was a man of many passions, interests and commitments. David was adamant that our communities and our connection to said communities was vital. He served as a 20 year member of the Northville Historic District Commission, a 26 year board member of the Michigan Basic Property Insurance Association and generously supported many important causes such as the American Cancer Society, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Southern Poverty Law Center and the American Civil Liberties Union.

But really, at the end of the day, David considered himself a Parking Lot Attendant. A humble servant of the Detroit Tigers (and his love of a hustle), David’s true career passion began at the tender age of seven parking cars at the family lots surrounding Briggs Field (nee Tiger Stadium) under the tutelage of his beloved Grandma Kreps, with his big brother, Leonard, at his side. This family tradition of parking cars during ballgames was truly his longest and most treasured economic endeavor. In his later years whether it was sun, rain, sleet or snow - you would find David, Leonard and their loyal band of friends in their happy place - at the lot on Opening Day.

While abbreviated, David’s teaching career had one BIG benefit in that he met a firecracker of a gal named Lynne, (also a Detroit Public Schools teacher, Cass Tech grad and Spartan alum) whom he went on to marry and remained devoted to until her untimely passing in 1993. David and Lynne were fortunate enough to welcome two daughters, Whitney (Craig Serra), Jillian (Ziggy the dog), and a “bonus” daughter in the form of their exceptionally close relationship with their niece, Kim Field.

Lynne’s passing left a tremendous void that was so beautifully filled when he chanced upon Amy Shalley during an Allstate “boondoggle” (his words for a fun work trip) in 2006. Taking a leap later in life, David expanded his family and his heart when he married Amy in 2011, bringing Katy (Jason Schnaitman) and Declan (Callie New) into the fold. David and Amy have been blessed with five grandchildren: Evelynne (Serra), John and Tommy (Schnaitman) and Eamon and Samuel (Shalley). In addition, David is survived by his brother Leonard (Joyce Field) and sister Kathy (Galen Hilton), and their respective families.

David’s world was so very large. If you were fortunate enough to touch his life, you quickly realized that this was a man whose orbit never shrank, it only widened with time. Fiercely loyal, quietly loving, incredibly proud - if you were in, you remained in for life. It really did not matter if he had seen you yesterday or 20 years ago - he’d welcome you back into the fold with a hearty laugh, a long-winded story and a bit of sage wisdom, just for you.

David will be remembered as a Spartan for life, a Detroiter to his core, a loving husband, an incorrigible and FIERCE father to his children, a surprising homebody (to Dave there really was nowhere as welcoming as his own front porch), a true proponent of an underdog (good luck to you if you suggested that Lake Michigan had a leg up on Lake Huron!), an incredibly proud grandfather, the very best friend, the handiest human you could ever know, a proponent of the very best holiday…Halloween!, Costco’s number one advocate,…But at the end of his days? David was really just a parking lot attendant. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

On May 8th the family will host a celebration of David’s incredible life at his home in Northville - the place that was his forever oasis of comfort and love.