Robert Torres, did you have a twin brother? I remember your visit. We were delighted to have you in our home and always enjoyed seeing you when we visited Dave. He chose his friends wisely, which is a tribute to you. Thank you for your kind words.

As David's former classmate, I am deeply saddened to hear about his passing. We both attended the same high school and were in the same class. We spent four years up there in Norfolk Ct, commonly known as the ice box of New England.

I remember David as one, if not, the smartest in the school. Studying and test taking came easy for him. I think he had a photographic memory. He loved music. During study hall time or in between classes, he would practice his fingering of a classical piece on his desk. He played the violin well.

He and I were suppose to meet on the first day of classes at Hunter College. We never meet that day or anytime in between. I guess he had a change of heart and pursued another path on life's journey.

I spent one day over the Szumski house in Pearl River and broke bread. A delicious meal prepared by Mrs. Szumski. I also remember David's brother coming to the school and leaving with some of the other students headed for NYC to catch a Arthur Rubinstein concert.

To the Szumki family, my heartfelt condolence.

Sincerely,
Robert Torres - Class of 69 One of the Seven.

Dave had a gentle spirit and a brilliantly creative mind.

He envisioned a beautiful and safe habitat for amphibians and reptiles in our backyard, and used his servant-leadership heart to rally the troops - his younger siblings - to make it happen. The result brought wonder and joy into our lives.

He rescued a baby raccoon, envisioned the perfect habitat for him in our backyard, and made it happen. The result was an exciting learning adventure for us all, watching that baby grow and thrive.

He envisioned befriending baby squirrels with watermelon seeds, instructed us little kids to spit out our seeds at the base of their tree, and taught us how to be gentle and still with them, so they would come to us without fear.

When he played the classics on the piano, we saw the great composers come alive, for he reignited their passions and brought them to life in our hearts.

When he envisioned a chorus of Christmas joy, he patiently taught us the harmony of song, and emboldened us to share it throughout the neighborhood.

Dave, you were not only a man of compassionate vision. Your patient teaching and leadership inspired us to catch a spark of your vision and to bring it to pass.

You've left an indelible mark on our hearts, filling us with an adventurous joy of life and learning. Because of you, we will never be the same. You inspired us to praise the wonderful works of our God, and for that we are truly thankful.

You were the best, Dave, and we look forward to serving with you in Christ's kingdom!

David and I were good friends and classmates for eight years. We were Eagle Scouts together. Thank you David for everything!
May you rest in God’s peace! You and your family will be remembered in my Masses and prayers!

Fr. Tom Reilly, St. Theresa Parish, North Reading, MA

One of the best memories was of Dave organizing our Christmas caroling for the holidays . He arranged the songs and instructed us, the younger siblings, on how to perform each carol. Then we would walk around the neighborhood knocking on doors performing these carols.

Dave was a classical music composer, working in the areas of Chamber Music, Orchestral and Piano Solo. Here is one of his works: https://youtu.be/tuK7KH620vM

Dave was also an Eagle Scout, like all of his brothers.

Judy, what wonderful memories of Dave growing up. I remember the reptile pit. I avoided it when we visited.
Dave was multi-talented for sure. I was ever so happy to get reacquainted with Dave in the past few years. His gentle spirit and twinkle in his eyes never faded.
He will be missed.

Whatever Dave set his hand to do, he did it with all his might. I wrote a little about this in the Stories section, "King of the Little Kids."

Dave loved music. Mom started teaching him to play the piano at a young age, and he continued playing throughout his life. He played with such intensity and heart. As a young girl, I knew it was impossible to disturb Dave while he played the classics of Chopin, Beethoven, Bach, and more. No matter what was going on around him, he continued playing his piece with full intensity to the end. Mom also taught him to play the violin, which he did beautifully.

Dave had a tender heart, and it showed in his kindness and love for his younger siblings, whom he took under his wing, teaching us everything he was learning.

His tenderness also showed in his love for animals. He built the most beautiful habitats for animals and cared for them untiringly.

Dave was fully devoted to his life partner, Marian Rowe Gilmore. I think the two attributes which best describe his heart and life were his love and caring tenderness toward others and for God's beloved creatures.

Dave's tenderness added beauty to this world. I only hope we who knew him can keep his tenderness alive in our hearts -- a living legacy of his memory.