Naples just lost a legend, and if you think we’re gonna mourn Chopper Dave with some quiet, somber tribute, you clearly never met the man. David Nocera—Chopper Dave—wasn’t built for whispers and tears. He was built for roaring engines, blistering guitar solos, and a brotherhood that could shake the earth.
Dave made sure every single soul felt like they belonged. He didn’t just build choppers; he built family. And now? Now, we’re supposed to say goodbye. Dave wouldn’t want us sniffling into tissues like a bunch of sad sacks. He’d want us to crank the volume to 11, rev the engines until the pavement cracks, and raise a glass—or ten. Dave’s legacy isn’t in the tears; it’s in the tire tracks, the riffs, and the stories we’ll scream until we’re too old to stand.
So, here’s the plan—buckle up, because we’re throwing a celebration of life that’ll make the heavens rattle and the devil jealous. We’ll laugh until our sides split, cry until our eyes burn, and probably break something—because that’s how Dave lived.
Rest easy, Chopper Dave. You were one of a kind. And we’re gonna make damn sure the world—and the afterlife—never forgets it. Fly high, brother.
Dave is joining his son Erik and many friends in heaven, and is survived by his wife, Wanda; son Tyler (Katelyn), granddaughter Kenzie and daughter Renee of Houston, TX. Brothers Robert (Mary) of Senoia, GA and William (Barbara) of Dunedin, FL; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and more friends and associates than anyone could count.
Wanda asks us to please join her at Collier County Choppers – Studio 113 located at 1100 Commercial Blvd. for a Celebration of Life on Friday night May 16 beginning at 7:00 pm. In addition, there is a Memorial Ride scheduled on Sunday, May 18 at 10:30 (details to follow) ending at Studio 113 for Dave’s dedication and remembrances. Food will be provided.
Collier County Choppers
Bobby
May 8, 2025, 12:23 pm
My condolences go out to Wanda and the family. I could never express enough how much this hurt. God bless you, Dave Nocera, they only made one of you. I’m so lucky to have been a friend and been able to hang out with you for the last 15 years. I will see you again, my friend. I’m on the way. We all are .⏳
Michael James Zaruba
May 8, 2025, 12:31 pm
My sincere condolences to Wanda and David’s entire family. David was one of my first friends when I moved to Naples in 2001. We shared the love of music and motorcycles. He was a truly genuine and free spirited soul. May he rest in peace. God bless
Jessica
May 8, 2025, 12:34 pm
Sending my deepest condolences, unfortunately I will be out of town. Todd will be there. So sorry for everyone’s loss. He will always be remembered. Ride on Dave in heaven with your brothers and sisters R.I.P.
Rich Grant
May 8, 2025, 12:52 pm
Sincerest condolences to the family..
May the memories flood your hearts with beautiful blessings ❤️
Bob and Chris
May 8, 2025, 1:15 pm
Sending our heartfelt condolences to all his family and friends. We always enjoyed hanging out at Studio 113 and listening to his band on Sundays at Gators. We wish we could be there. Fly high Chopper Dave.
Diana Trupiano
May 8, 2025, 1:23 pm
Jesus told His disciples that His Father’s mansion has many rooms. Well, I can assure you that David is now residing in a shop in Heaven fixing all the Lords Chariots.
I pray all who believe in Jesus will follow the path rarely traveled until we meet up in that mansion in the sky, where we will all see Dave and all our lost loved ones again only for eternity.
Dave
May 8, 2025, 2:41 pm
My deepest condolences go out to Wanda & the family. Dave was one of the best people I’ve ever known he loved motorcycles, music,people & making people feel happy he was truly a giver & will never forget him or the time I spent in the chopper band and he always made me feel like we were family. Condolences to the studio 113 family
George Skyler
May 8, 2025, 2:42 pm
David Nocera was my Best Friend & Family myFamily love’s him & they knew if I was with David I’m ok when we met it was Music & to help People We did Toys for Tots Shows & lot of other RoadManager Daughter Sara made sure everytime I’m homefromTouring I’m withDavid at Studio113 I send my love &Condolence to his wife Wanda & his kids he will always be in our Heart Forever I love you all ❤️
Downtown Sal Ferrandino
May 8, 2025, 2:45 pm
David was one of the 1st musicians I met when I relocated to Golden Gate City from Memphis in 2002. He was always open & friendly to everyone. I was even fortunate enough to jam with David @ Studio 113, thanks to my friends Ted & George. My thoughts go out to Wanda, the entire Chopper Band, as well as the entire Studio 113/C.C.C. friends & family. R.I.P. David & thank you for everything.
Earl Ross
May 8, 2025, 3:00 pm
There are no words to express the emotions that I’m feeling everyday it hits me harder I learned a lot from Dave but the biggest thing I learned was how to forgive people Dave truly loved everybody he always saw the best in everyone and never held a grudge to anyone no matter what I always wondering he could do it and I try to learn from it everyday and he is my example I don’t know what else to say except for I love you Dave I’ll see you there on the other side it ain’t over yet by a long shot love you brother
Vaughn Clay
May 8, 2025, 3:09 pm
My deepest condolences to Wanda and the entire family! One of the happiest men I have ever met.
Chris Gottschalk
May 8, 2025, 4:09 pm
My condolences to everyone that had ever met Chopper Dave! Especially, Wanda and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Dave was a true friend to me from day one. Never hesitated to help me anyway possible. With tears pouring down my face I say Rest in Peace my friend! I love you!
David Fowkes
May 8, 2025, 4:13 pm
R I P my brother my condolences to the family
Mike H
May 8, 2025, 4:57 pm
May God be with Wanda and family. Dave your were the one that brought so many friends, band a place to be 2gether and that,s why it,s family at studio 113. I been totally blessed to be apart of 113 family. It won’t be long till 113 family will meet again and there will be no more goodbyes nothing but love. Thank you Dave for all you done.
Find Jesus he,s our way home.
Theresa Burkman
May 8, 2025, 5:02 pm
My heart breaks for Renee Nocera and Tyler Nocera losing their Dad way too soon. Dave was one of a kind for sure.
Jannelle Davey
May 8, 2025, 5:27 pm
My condolences to Wanda and the family. This is such a sad moment but I know he doesn’t want us to be. At least he is up there with my Dad riding the golden streets alongside his other friends. He was the kindest most gentle loving man I have ever know. See you when we get there Dave! Love you!
Maria Trupiano
May 8, 2025, 6:16 pm
over 30 years of memories. You’re smile will be missed greatly.
Sheila Libby
May 8, 2025, 9:57 pm
Dave was a kind soul . He did a lot for the biker community and will truly be missed by all of us. My heart goes out to Wanda and his whole family . ❤️
Gae Iaconelli
May 8, 2025, 10:11 pm
Always fond memories of David from 1979
When he was our roommate for a year in Naples always a smile and a kind word and lots of laughs for many years after that time
God only takes the Best of the Best and he was at the top of that list
Toby Hartwell
May 8, 2025, 11:12 pm
David is one of the first people I met 40+ years ago. We worked together and were roommates for awhile. Dave didn’t get mad even when he worked on my Norton at Hawg Wild so we could go for a ride on the weekend. Wasn’t any better man and I am better for knowing him.
Lockdown
May 9, 2025, 1:19 am
From the days playing at Saltwater Cowboys, Gator Crossing, and of course Studio 113, combined with the years of motorcycle service through your shop, Collier County Choppers, Dave, you will be missed by many.
Carrie
May 9, 2025, 1:57 am
Dave touched my heart when he took my son under his wing when he was only 16 and let him hone his craft with the very people who lived the music he loved. It gave him confidence and showmanship that may not have shined were it not for studio 113. Thanks Dave for that. Tyler blossomed. My sincere condolences to his kids and Wanda. Wanda you have joined a club none of us want to be in. But welcome. God bless all.
Rocco Bovenzi
May 9, 2025, 1:58 am
Condolences to Wanda and Dave’s kids the chopper band split leaf/ leftovers family it was a long fun Run playing music with Dave and the boys Dave was a friend a great example of how we should treat people with kindness and compassion he wasn’t perfect but dam close we should all try to be more like Dave he was one of a kind and I’m going to miss him tremendously so- long Dave I already have seen him in my dreams going to miss you sitting next to me on the stage playing our music making people happy RIP Dave !
Tami
May 9, 2025, 2:27 am
My sincere condolences to Renee and Tyler. He loved his kids so very much, including Eric. Even when he was on stage performing for everyone he would think of them. He was highly skilled, intelligent and talented, and he made everything he did look so easy. He had unwavering persistence and kindness, and helped countless people. He enjoyed hanging out with his friends, playing music and riding. Rest in peace David Gordon Nocera. You are, and always will be, dearly loved and missed.
Virginia
May 9, 2025, 2:59 am
Dave ,I have known you for a long time this breaks my heart but I will have a toss in the honor that such a amazing brother, friend,and family love you Angel GODS SPEEDrock on
Dave....Doug will be glad to be near him...
May 9, 2025, 3:22 am
My condolences to you Wanda and His family, or should I say Familiar families. He really was definitely a legend and will never be forgotten. ✨️♥️
Sheila
May 9, 2025, 6:39 am
Chopper Dave, we will miss you.
Dave loved his family and his friends. He had a wonderful life and he met no strangers. Dave is traveling now beyond where we can’t see. It’s all about his journey now forever riding free.
Till we meet again , let your engine roar.
Thomas Mineau
May 9, 2025, 5:02 pm
Tom
I met Dave a few years ago on rebuilding my motor on the 67, right away you could feel atmosphere change towards being a friend instead of a customer. I helped him out for a while and misalaneous things along the way and it was the same with everyone that entered the shop, studio or gators. He had a big heart, Wanda my best goes out to you sweetheart and kids, we will have a physical void but he’ll aways be there, here’s to a send off to a wonderful soul, keep that smile..
Roger Janes
May 9, 2025, 5:52 pm
Wanda and family it was such a shock to hear about Dave’s passing. He was a very very kind man always giving. Help the community a good friend to gator Alley a good friend to everybody. I will miss him very much. Love you, brother.
George Bukowski
May 9, 2025, 9:59 pm
Thank you Dave for all your help. many good times at your place. Wishing you all God’s Blessings to you and your family. Ride on my brother!
Karen
May 14, 2025, 12:01 am
My sincere condolences to Wanda and family. He will be missed by many. RIP
KATIE REESE
May 15, 2025, 1:36 pm
Bobby said it all. Chopper Dave was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. He loved life and music and people. We have been blessed to know him and send our deepest sympathy to Wanda and the whole family. RIP ❤️
Wesley Ceeley
May 16, 2025, 6:45 pm
Thank you Dave for giving me your stage and teaching me to shoot a machine gun!!
From all of us,
The Falldowns.
Stacie B
May 17, 2025, 1:01 pm
My life is so different, because of Chopper Dave. He believed in me and took me under The Chopper Band wing and showed me how to fly. He gave me words of wisdom that I will carry with me, always. He was a badass biker with a hippy spirit and that’s what made him the most unique friend I’ve ever had. Dave used his brains, talent and love to build a community of musicians, bikers, friends and family for all to enjoy. Dave said when he goes, we’d better not dwell on how he left but rather, how he LIVED. “ITS ABOUT THE RIDE, MAN! AND I HAD A GREAT ONE! REMEMBER ME FOR THAT!” Ride In Peace, my brother from another mother. There will never be another, quite like you, Chopper Dave. I love you forever and ever.
Joe
May 17, 2025, 6:16 pm
We will always remember the good times at the bar rockn’ out & drinkin’ beer with
Chopper Dave & Wanda. Thanks Dave for the “behind the scenes” tour of the shop &
welcoming us in! Grateful for knowing you & Wanda, sharing all your stories. Thanks
Colleen & Bill for taking us to the Chopper Shop Bar long ago, sharing for good times, fun,
music and great memories! Ride & Rock on in the heavens Dave, you will be missed.
Smokin’ Joe & Betsy Charbeneau