David, who spent just one memorable year at Princeton with us, died Sept. 19, 2022, surrounded by his family.
Born in Long Beach, Calif., David came to Old Nassau from Millburn (N.J.) High School in June 1944 and began his lifelong career as an entrepreneur by playing piano at parties and other events. After he served two years as a Navy corpsman — during which he performed for the wounded — David earned an A.B. at Beloit College and an MBA at Harvard. He continued performing all the while and had unforgettable gigs with Abbott and Costello and Frank Sinatra.
After business school, David married Anne Price and owned a radio station in Fitchburg, Mass. In 1964, he moved to Portland, Ore., and purchased a fledgling background-music company that he expanded to include an FM station, equipment sales and leases, and more throughout the Northwest. Gene Autry bought the FM station in 1977, and David sold his other businesses in 1981.
Investing in small businesses became his main occupation thereafter, but he also returned to the piano at age 62, giving impromptu performances on cruise ships and other venues, and recording several CDs. In 2005, David and Anne moved to Denver, Colo., to be closer to family.
In addition to Anne, David is survived by five children, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. The class extends its condolences to all.