David F. Pelto

In Loving Memory of David F. Pelto

David F. Pelto, affectionately known as “Papa Pelto,” passed away on August 13, 2026, at the age of 67.

Born on September 28, 1958, in Bessemer, Pennsylvania, David built a life defined by service, family, loyalty, and an unmistakable sense of humor. He graduated from Mohawk High School in 1977 before earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Edinboro State College in 1981, where he was also humorously voted “Best Legs,” a title he never let anyone forget.

David dedicated nearly 30 years of his life to the Vienna Police Department. After graduating from the 58th session of the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy, he began his law enforcement career in September 1985 in the department’s Patrol Section. In 1990, he was promoted to sergeant, where he took great pride in mentoring both rookie and veteran officers. In January 2001, he transferred to the Traffic Division and served as a motorcycle officer until his promotion to lieutenant in July of that same year.

Throughout his distinguished career, David earned numerous honors, including the Optimist Club Police Officer of the Year Award in 1989 and the Vienna Women’s Club Police Officer of the Year Award in 1991. In September 2001, he graduated from the 206th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, an accomplishment of which he was especially proud. He retired from the Vienna Police Department in January 2015, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, professionalism, mentorship, and friendship.

While his professional accomplishments were significant, nothing in David’s life mattered more than his family.

He was a devoted father to his two sons, Chris and Garrett. He was the kind of father who always showed up, led by example, and quietly made sure the people he loved were taken care of. Whether he was offering car advice, filming football games from the stands, or making sure everyone had something to eat, his presence was constant and reassuring.

David found joy in the simple things. He was a passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates and proudly supported Penn State athletics. He enjoyed watching golf, studying military history, bowling, listening to classic rock and Hall and Oates, debating movie and actor trivia, quoting John Wayne, and spending countless hours playing pickleball at Claude Moore Recreation & Community Center alongside friends who shared his competitive spirit and love of the game.

Perhaps nothing brought him more happiness than watching his sons play football through their Little League and high school years and later seeing them become coaches themselves with Lower Loudoun Youth Football League. He rarely missed a game and could often be found behind a camera, recording every important moment.

Those who knew David will remember his booming laugh, his love of stand-up comedy and inappropriate jokes, his tendency to take the long way to any destination, his habit of changing song lyrics to entertain those around him, his early mornings, his afternoon naps, and his famous Pittsburgh expression, “dahn tahn.”

He will be remembered as a loyal friend, a supportive mentor, a respected leader, and, above all, a loving father.

David was preceded in death by his parents, William and Janice Pelto; his maternal grandparents, Alfred and Genevieve Lago; and his paternal grandparents, Frank and Lillian Pelto.

He is survived by his sons, Chris Pelto and Garrett Pelto; his former wife of 37 years, Charlene Pelto; his daughter-in-law, Canan Pelto; Garrett’s fiancée, Anna; his brother, Mark Pelto, and his wife, Amy, who live in Bessemer; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; his beloved granddog, Royce; and his grandcats, Watt and Poppy.

David’s sense of humor, unmistakable laugh, and encyclopedic knowledge of movie trivia touched countless lives during his years of service and throughout his retirement. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m.

In the end, David’s greatest accomplishment was not the awards he received or the rank he achieved. It was the family he loved, the people he mentored, and the countless lives he influenced simply by showing up, making people laugh, and being there when he was needed.

He will be missed beyond words and remembered always.