David Pritchard

David Harlow Pritchard left us on April 14, 2024, after bravely enduring the long difficulties of Parkinson’s disease. A lifelong Methodist, he was called by Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates to sing in the Celestial Choir. David was born on June 23, 1943, to Elma Jean (Spitznaugle) and Harlow Bryan Pritchard, who was serving in the U.S. Navy Ferry Command at Floyd Bennett Field near New York City. The family moved several times when he was a child, until they settled in his mother’s birthplace, Toledo, Ohio.

David graduated from Ottawa Hills High School and studied English at Ohio Wesleyan University. He taught middle school English in the Irish Hills of Michigan, serving as assistant coach for the basketball and football teams. He also worked for the Ward Candy Company in New York City. He found his calling at the University of Toledo’s Law School. David began his career practicing law in New York City by representing tenants, and later representing landlords, practicing landlord-tenant law for many years. David married his dream girl Elba Rivera in 1988. They moved to Fort Pierce Florida where he worked on migrant law issues for a time, but returned to the irresistible lure of the City that Never Sleeps.

David had a keen and dry wit about him and remained perceptive about the foibles of humanity. He was concerned about those less fortunate, seeking out ways to serve through his church, as a student and as a professional. He worked in issues related to migrant rights and services during his early career. David was quick to offer assistance, providing council to family and friends when needed. He never allowed politics to interfere with familial affections.

David loved food and took a great deal of pleasure in cooking, fussing over details. He collected information from the New York Times and other publications, filing away recipes as well as notes on restaurants, which he enjoyed visiting in the city. David loved exploring the Big City. When his sister Jean visited New York, David would ask her to pick a country. If she chose Italy, they would do Italian-themed activities including restaurants, food shops, bakeries, museums, and churches.

From an early age, David sailed small boats and loved being on the water. For him, there was nothing better than “messing about” in a sailboat. He sailed Devils Lake, Michigan, the Chesapeake Bay, and out of Port Washington, New York, racing on Long Island Sound with the Thistle fleet. Sailing to Block Island was a goal he pursued for years, and he finally succeeded. David also enjoyed tennis and alpine skiing, introducing relatives to all these skills.

David reveled in the rejuvenating power of song. He took voice lessons in high school, and with his college glee club traveled to Russia. He rehearsed methodically and sang tenor with the New York Oratorio Society for many years. With the NYOS he traveled to Germany and London, and regularly performed at Carnegie Hall in New York. David sang in church choirs during every stage of life, including Park Avenue United Methodist Church in NYC, and in Tucson, St. Phillips Episcopal and Catalina Methodist. David appreciated a variety of music, including opera, orchestral performances, jazz, choral music, and the Rolling Stones. He loved to share music with others, whether attending performances or giving gifts of concert tickets.

David is survived by his loving and devoted wife Elba, siblings (Martin, James, and Jean), children (Natalie, Eric, Arian, and Shea), eleven grandchildren, beloved in-laws, nephews and nieces, as well as many friends from Tucson to New York who will miss him deeply. The family is grateful to those who helped in various ways, making it possible for David to rest at home, including the Pima Council on Aging, Harmony Hospice, and many others.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. Memorials can be made to your favorite local charity.