Radioman Seaman

UNITED STATES NAVY

David Allan Wasel was born on July 20, 1941, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Wasel of New Britain, Conn. He attended grade school in Putnam and was graduated from Washington Junior High and New Britain Senior High Schools.

After graduating from high school in June 1959, and prior to enlisting in the Navy, David was employed by the American Hardware Co.

During his school years he participated in many of the school's activiites, including sports. He collected North American wild animal and bird figurines and enjoyed both hunting and fishing. David had built his own gun cabinet, and collected coins. Six of his uncles had served in the Armed Forces during World War II.

David entered the Navy and received his basic training at the U.S. Naval Training Center, Great Lakes, Ill. After completing his trianing he was selected to attend the Navy's Communications School at Bainbridge, Md. He successfully completed the Radioman's School and on March 1, 1963, he became a member of the crew of the nuclear-powered submarine U.S.S. Thresher (SSN 593).

David is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Wasel, and a brother, Robert; a nephew, Robert Jr., and two nieces, Catherine and Debra, all of New Britain, Conn.