David Nicholas Dorazio

David N. Dorazio, age 69, of Bloomer, WI and formerly of Hayward, WI, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at his home.

David Nicholas Dorazio was born April 22, 1953, in Shell Lake, WI the son of Nicholas and Sophie (Zablocki) Dorazio.  He was raised in Hayward on the shores of the Chippewa Flowage where his parents owned and operated the Arrow Resort.  Dave graduated from Hayward High School and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he studied Fisheries Biology.  Dave returned to Hayward, WI and began a career as a fishing guide for the Chippewa Flowage and Hayward area lakes.  On October 22, 1988, Dave was joined in marriage to Nancy Anderson-Sampson at Callahan Lake Resort.  While guiding, Dave also operated the Eddie Bait Company which manufactured Eddie Baits and Bootails.  Dave eventually sold the Eddie Bait Company and began Dorazio Tackle Company which sold Bootails.  Dave caught his biggest musky, a 52” musky on the Chippewa Flowage, on a Bootail. He was a member of the Hayward Guide Service, Muskies Inc., and had numerous fishing accomplishments including being inducted into the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame in 2019.  Dave was not only a guide, he was a teacher of fishing who wrote numerous articles, spoke at fishing expos and musky clubs, taught courses and appeared in television shows.  Fishing was Dave’s lifestyle and he enjoyed teaching people tricks of the trade. 

Dave is survived by his wife of 34 years, Nancy; son, Michael (Amanda) Dorazio of Bloomer, WI; step-son, David Sampson; two grandchildren, Gwynevere and Ronin; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Leonard Dorazio; and two sisters, Frances Smith and Barbara Kendall.

A memorial service celebrating Dave’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at Hayward Funeral Home with Father Gregory Hopefl officiating.  A time of gathering with family and friends will be held from 1:00 to the time of service at the funeral home on Saturday. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame, PO Box 690, Hayward, WI 54843.