Dave Piona Gone?

I met Dave a few years ago when I moved to Sacramento. He always seemed to have a smile in the pool room. He was at home in a pool room, you can't say that about too many players.

I only watched him play in tournaments, I never saw him match up, but there are some great stories about his exploits in Northern California and Reno. I know he made it back east a few times in his younger days and was pretty successful most of the time.

I talked to him during the Jamboree at Hard Times a few weeks ago and he was beaming about the first women's pro basketball event he'd witnessed, 'Those gals can play' and 'it was really exciting'... were some of his comments. He didn't fare well in the USPPA event, but as usual, he had his patented comments about handicap systems and how tough you have to play to win.

He will be missed by anyone that knows about pool in Northern California.

Condolences to wife and family and his close friends.
 
Though I didn't know him, I relayed the sad news to Keith McCready, who said he's known Dave a very long time, since Keith was about 14.

Keith said that David, Cole Dixon, and him used to play pay ball on a 5-by-10 snooker table at Vern Peterson's place, the Billiard Palace in the mid '70s, and they used to have a blast. Piona was considered a "gritty player," and you could never take him lightly on a field of green, as he could play all games.

Keith said Ronnie Allen knew Dave very well, and so Keith phoned Ronnie today to inform him his passing. Ronnie was shocked and saddened.

Ronnie and Keith both send their condolences to Dave's family and friends!

JAM
 
Dave Will Be Missed

I am so surprised and sorry to hear the bad news. As others have posted, I was fortunate to see Dave & Christina at Hard Times last weekend - it was hugs all around. Dave mentioned he had some recent tests where the doctors didn't know what was going on, but I had no idea. In addition to his heart problems, he suffered from a very bad back for many years.

Dave & Christina have always been among my favorite people in the pool world. Dave was so genuine and open he was always a pleasure to be around. Christina, if you're reading this, Diane & I are so sorry for your loss and Dave will remain in our prayers. I am very happy I was able to see the two of you before this tragedy happened.

Your friend, Dave Gross
 
jay helfert said:
Dave had a major heart condition about 7-8 years ago, requiring extensive surgery. He never fully recovered, although he still came around to the tourneys in NorCal and Reno from time to time.

He was always making plans to do something else, so you couldn't count him out. But he had complained about his poor health more and more in the last year or so.
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Hi Jay,
Sad news.My condolences to his family. In the later part of 2005 he had a major surgery on his back and the surgery did not help his problem
 
My condolences to his wife, Christina. Dave was a great personality and a wonderful player. He will be missed and mourned in our world.

Melissa Herndon
 
vagabond said:
Hi Jay,
Sad news.My condolences to his family. In the later part of 2005 he had a major surgery on his back and the surgery did not help his problem
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i can relate to that,

one other poster said he remembered him in tournments, i awalys saw him in action when there was a tournment, either way he was a hell of a player and will be missed by all. i Havent seen him in years, but i do remember he was cool when he played for big $$$ and cooler when the bet was raised.
 
I thought I would post Christina's email to me so that you will know more of what happened. I am also posting my reply as a remembrance for all the great things that Dave did to touch our lives.

2 things I did not mention was the time when Dave and Christina watched my match against Cornbread Red where I broke and ran out the first game and I heard Dave up in the stands surprised, and Christina poking him and saying, "See, girls CAN play!" Of course I hung the 6 the next game and never got to see another ball, except to kick.

Another memory is when I was down in the Bay area for a qualifier and Dave watched me knocking in balls and banking, and he came over and showed me a new system for aiming banks that was quite nifty and I still use it as a guide occasionally. He didn't have to take it upon himself to show me anything, but he did, because he loved the game, and he lives on because I show that to MY students now.

Here is Christina's reply:

Hi Linda:
Yes, Dave went to be with the Lord yesterday. I came home from out of town at about 7 p.m. and found him.

If you would be kind enough to notify everyone in the billiard community, especially Robin Dodson if you know how to reach her and Richie Geiler too - the services will be held in Oakland, at our church on Thursday. I'll give you more details when they are finalized.

Chuck at Hard Times Sacramento is organizing a memorial tournament to be held in the future as well.

Thank you for your friendship. I know Mike was also a friend to Dave for many years.

Love,
Christina

_________________________________________________

Christina,

We are all just stunned here. Oddly enough, I thought about you 2 last week when I saw a pearlized white car like yours and I thought I should drop a line.

I called Rich who just kept repeating, "You're killing me!" and said he was actually going to call him Thursday. I have left a message on Robin's recorder.

Dave was such an influence in Mike's life and he told me to tell you that he is very, very, very sad. He said Davy was only 7 years older than he is, making him 65, but of course, he looked and acted so much younger. You know they went on the road together way back when.

Was it his heart? I know his dad and brother died of heart troubles and Dave was so into his health the last several years, and taking care of himself.

Our prayers and thoughts are with you and Star in this time of sadness. Remember when we met you in Reno? He was so proud to introduce you to us. I know you 2 had a great life together and you brought so much joy and happiness to him. I'm so glad he had you in his life and that he also had God in his life.

Let me know how Mike and I can help. Just know that Dave was loved in the billiard community. Read here http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=66729. I will post your letter if that is ok, so that people know for sure.

Love,
Linda
 
Many of us in the Modesto area knew and liked Dave. I actually got to hang out with Dave for a couple of hours several years ago at the BCA in Vegas. He introduced me to Johnny Archer! It seemed like he knew everybody and everybody knew him as well. I loved to hear Dave talk about gambling, knowing that he actually lived the stories and wasn't just blowing hot air made them all the more special! He will be missed and is in the thoughts and prayers of our pool family..............Marc Swisher/Len and Judy Swisher
 
I was stunned to hear about Dave Piona's passing. Along with his family, this is a real loss for Bay area pool. Dave had been a fixture for so many years, that it's difficult to imagine the central west coast pool scene without him.

I played for the first time at Stix Billiards in Vacaville in 1995 in a regional event. My two matches were with Dave Hemmah and Dave Piona, so it was a short tournament for me! However in my race to 9 match with Dave he chugged out to an 8-1 lead. I was aware that Dave was a strong shooter even though I'd never seen him play; so I was a little intimidated. Even so, I was determined to not leave him another shot. If I didn't have an easy shot or a likely run, I'd play safe. Slowly I started coming back. Pretty soon I tied him at 8 apiece. Then I broke, came up dry, and he was left a tricky 1-9 carom, which he made to win the match. I congratulated him, but then prevailed upon him to teach me the method he used for those type carom shots. We stayed at the table for about 10 minutes after the match.

Anyway as I hung around for the rest of the tournament, Chris MacDonald, Roger Estelle, and some guys I didn't even know came up to me and congratulated me for the close match. I asked them how they knew, and they said Dave told them! Well, that really set me up-- that he'd go around telling people how well I played to come back and almost beat him from being 7 games down. I'll never forget it.

After that whenever I'd see him we'd have nice conversations. He had that warm Italian charm that was very disarming. He was well liked by everyone, and it's hard to think that he's gone.

Art "Doc" Tripp
 
Just when I thought the worse was over

This is such a shock. I just finished attending one funeral and memorial last week of a friend that died of brain cancer. Monday I will attend another one of a long time friend of myself and older son that took his life that has devastated us all. Now this. My heartfelt prayers go out to you Christina in your hour of despair. As I have told other loved ones this past week, I cannot imagine your pain to suddenly lose someone so close and dear.
I met Dave in about 1981 the year after I took over my poolroom in Capitola. I only played and gambled in pool occasionally after I bought my first room due having a big family and not wanting to jeopardize my liveliehood that I chose by losing it. Ha. I think someone put Dave up to me and told them I used to be a big gambler in the 50's and then early 60's and I have a hunch it was Poker paul. lol. He used to pull those things off on me but I loved it. It was pretty hard to get much past me. Anyway I knew Dave was a good player and he was there to get a game. He was dressed realy classy and had a lot of nice jewelery although I didn't know it it was real or not. lol. He wanted a game, so I played to be a gentleman but I knew he could probably beat me cause of my lack of recent playing time but we continued for hours(about 8) and he beat out of $400 or so before I quit. He was such a great guy to play with, a real gentleman. But you see I didn't care, I knew he would pass the word that I ran a great room and the people were friendly and we paid off when we lost. lol. I never gambled with him again and he never asked. We ran into each other over the next 25 years on and off at tournaments or venues. We would always talk although briefly. I met Christina not too long after that and what a lovely lady. Those two really were meant for each other. Both with a love for the game. In fact Christina, as an insurance gal helped write policies for pool rooms. I always knew Dave had back problems but never heard about a heart problem. Probably his way of keeping it in the family. But that match we had has always stood out in my mind as a day I met a great player and a fine human being
Rest In Peace my friend.
Dick Cady, Fast Eddy's Billiards
 
I was talking to Jay on the phone today about Daqve and Jay said it best "He played hard for the $$$" he was a true warrior.
 
gulfportdoc said:
I was stunned to hear about Dave Piona's passing. Along with his family, this is a real loss for Bay area pool. Dave had been a fixture for so many years, that it's difficult to imagine the central west coast pool scene without him.

I played for the first time at Stix Billiards in Vacaville in 1995 in a regional event. My two matches were with Dave Hemmah and Dave Piona, so it was a short tournament for me! However in my race to 9 match with Dave he chugged out to an 8-1 lead. I was aware that Dave was a strong shooter even though I'd never seen him play; so I was a little intimidated. Even so, I was determined to not leave him another shot. If I didn't have an easy shot or a likely run, I'd play safe. Slowly I started coming back. Pretty soon I tied him at 8 apiece. Then I broke, came up dry, and he was left a tricky 1-9 carom, which he made to win the match. I congratulated him, but then prevailed upon him to teach me the method he used for those type carom shots. We stayed at the table for about 10 minutes after the match.

Anyway as I hung around for the rest of the tournament, Chris MacDonald, Roger Estelle, and some guys I didn't even know came up to me and congratulated me for the close match. I asked them how they knew, and they said Dave told them! Well, that really set me up-- that he'd go around telling people how well I played to come back and almost beat him from being 7 games down. I'll never forget it.

After that whenever I'd see him we'd have nice conversations. He had that warm Italian charm that was very disarming. He was well liked by everyone, and it's hard to think that he's gone.

Art "Doc" Tripp
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Gone yes, but never forgotten by anyone who knew him.
 
It's been so long ago I can't remember when I first got to know him, but I do remember him and Lisa DiAtri hookin' up for quite a few years, they were together for so long I found it hard to believe they finally split up. A sharp dresser, almost like a caucasion Super Fly from the 60's he seemed bigger than life, when he was in the pool room, his body language spoke louder than most everyone. I'll miss him and wish his family and friends well.
Bill Meacham
 
Cadillac Dave

When I think of Dave, I always imagine him with that great big smile on his face.....who can ever forget that? He told me about the old gambling days at the Rack, and how he won so much money there, he went out and bought a Cadillac, and people were calling him, "Cadillac Dave"..... A real personable and nice guy, and as someone said, seemed to know everybody....I will miss not seeing him at West Coast pool tournaments......always a bit of sunshine in a pool room was Dave Piona.....condolences to his wife and family....Marvin W.
 
Island Drive said:
It's been so long ago I can't remember when I first got to know him, but I do remember him and Lisa DiAtri hookin' up for quite a few years, they were together for so long I found it hard to believe they finally split up. A sharp dresser, almost like a caucasion Super Fly from the 60's he seemed bigger than life, when he was in the pool room, his body language spoke louder than most everyone. I'll miss him and wish his family and friends well.
Bill Meacham
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Great description Bill. Dave was always in control of himself and his surroundings.
 
Sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I knew him from an Eastside Detroit poolroom from about 1978-81 when he had the Cadillac. Real decent guy, was well liked. Saw him a few years ago in Sacto and din't realize his health was poor.

Martin



jay helfert said:
Great description Bill. Dave was always in control of himself and his surroundings.
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rackmsuckr said:
Geez, I certainly hope it's not true! Mike went on the road with Davy, so he has special ties to him. I sent off a quick email to Chris to find out. Hopefully, it's just a bad rumor. :o
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Linda...I remember playing both Mike and Dave at the Corner Pocket in Missoula, MT in the mid 80's. I bet they remember matching up with Fudsy and Q-Ball! Both Mike & Dave were very strong players even then! :D My condolences to Christina and the family.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com
 
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Dave Piona

For the memories....

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Piona1.jpg


Might see some others, still here and gone....

Mike
 
THX for the great picks. Dave always gave it 100% when he was down on his shot.
BM
 
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