David Halvorsen

David Henry Halvorsen, our beloved son, brother and friend came into this life on June 16, 1988. He was born in Kingston, NY. We are deeply saddened by his untimely death yet feel extremely blessed he was in our lives.

David was a loving and compassionate person who met new adventures and experiences with enthusiasm. He felt the need to always do the right thing for others, often at his own expense. He had a strong yearning for knowledge and about how things worked.

He attended Phoenicia Elementary school then Onteora High School and spent his last years there participating in the New Visions program where he spent most of his school days participating in real life experiences in the Benedictine Hospital. This provided him with an interest in science. Our loving David studied the violin in school allowing him another experience for him to share with his father Peter Halvorsen. It brought them great joy in this endeavor.  As a youth there were two major experiences that helped shape his future. Firstly his participation in the Rotary Youth Leadership Program (RYLA) . Secondly was his employment at Town Tinker Tube Rental which he was so very fond of .Through these experiences he blossomed from a shy and timid boy into a confident young man.

David attended SUNY Plattsburgh to study Bio Chem and Physics, while also balancing his responsibilities of a Resident Assistant. Having both grandmothers battle cancer diagnoses, David was motivated to study the Cancer Science field and worked in research at SENS Foundation, in California.  You may view a YouTube presentation David participated in at Cambridge University entitled: Uncovering the Genetic Basis of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres at  https://youtube.com/watch?v=ILd_uuTvfGU&si=fXuwarzQ7fbBrZdl   David's portion begins at 13:30.

David later made a transition to the computer field. Even at a young age he was fascinated by the workings of a computer and was known to bring home parts of computers he found along the roadside. In his teen years he built his own functioning computer.

David and Michael Halvorsen were blessed to have each other as brothers. The two shared many loving and bonding experiences and adventures. While spending summers living at a local state campground, where his mother was caretaker, David was able to wander and explore the woods and stream as well as gain valuable experiences of meeting people from all walks of life. Snow permitting, the fearless brothers would be often found snowboarding, skiing and doing tricks down the hillside behind home on to a homemade metal rail.

David became a proficient skier, ski instructor and later a skilled snowboarder. He taught the first freestyle ski group at Belleayre Mountain and spent hours drawing up plans for a dream terrain park. As a teenager he made solo trips to Ski Ramp Camp in Lake Placid NY. His fearlessness also took him, at a young age, to participate in Momentum summer Ski Camp at Whistler Mountain, British Columbia. David and family continued to share joyous on snow time and had recent discussions about plans for next season.

As an adult David took improv classes and often performed on local stages. His interests also involved participation in a nearby trampoline park, using skills honed in his youth. David was known as an avid Comic Con attendee, dressing up in full costume - and performing the personality- of characters.

As so well put by a dear California friend "David was the kind of person who lit up a room with his presence. He had an amazing sense of humor and could make you feel better even when you were rock bottom. He never hesitated to be there for his friends. His creativity and brilliance shaped everything he did. His presence was bigger than life."

Beloved David Henry Halvorsen passed away on May 27, 2024. He touched numerous peoples' lives in a positive manner. He lived life to its very fullest and has inspired all of us to do the same. We happily remember him often wearing a pirate hat and challenging people to dance competitions, bringing joy to people everywhere he went. He shared a deep love for family and friends. Although he is no longer alive, he will remain alive in our minds and hearts forever. We will feel his presence with us wherever we go though we will deeply miss his presence. We are grateful to God for bringing him to us.

David is survived by his father Peter Halvorsen and his wife Julie Halvorsen, his mother Rosemary Kelly and her partner Patrick McGinnis, as well as his brother Michael Halvorsen and his partner Sarah Redman. He is survived by many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. David was predeceased by loving grandparents Janice Rubin, Paul Halvorsen, Frances Kelly and William Kelly.

A a casual uplifting gathering with a pot luck meal, will be held at the Pine Hill Community Center on June 16th from 3 to 6pm.  As per Community Center policy no alcohol on premises.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Pine  Hill Community Center in his honor.(www.pinehillcommunitycenter.org) You may share a special memory, photo, or condolence on David's Tribute Wall at www.gormleyfuneralhome.com  Memorial arrangements are under the direction of the E. B. Gormley Funeral Home 87 Main St. Phoenicia. 

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