David was born on September 2, 1946, in Harrisonburg, Virginia. He grew up on New York Avenue, the second of seven children
of Betty and Frank Nardi, a longtime Harrisonburg family.
Music was a lifelong passion, passed down from his mother, who loved singing and playing the piano. At a young age, David
began playing the guitar, and, as a teenager, performed with several local rock and roll bands. He learned the instrument by ear
while spending many hours listening to WLS-AM Chicago, the legendary radio station and soundtrack of his youth in the 1960s.
He was a gifted singer and songwriter, writing and recording three musical CDs. For all of David’s life, the lyrics of John Prine,
Bob Dylan and other great musical poets were the cadence of his voice.
David attended Harrisonburg High School, where he lettered in baseball and basketball, and served as student body/class
president. He attended The University of Virginia, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. At UVA, he was a
member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, and distinguished himself as an outstanding intramural athlete of the year.
From 1969-1971, David served as a lieutenant in the United StatesArmy Signal Corps in Vietnam. He was
most proud of his volunteer service toAve Maria Orphanage in Nha Trang, South Vietnam. On August 24, 1972, David was
awarded the Bronze Star Medal. He later published a book, “Ripped to Shreds,” about his experience and its impact on his life.
In the 1980s, David was a regular participant at Summit House, where he enjoyed his time with many of the members. Other
volunteer and community service positions included the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County Community Services Board and the
Local Human Rights Committee at Western State Hospital.
David is survived by his children Christopher Dowhan, Laura (Siever) Huffer, and Molly Wilson; his siblings Tom (Ann Lynn),
John, Dan (Alyce), Beth Holsinger, and his sister-in-law Lynne; four grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins
from several generations. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Betty, his brothers Steve and Jim, and his brother-in-
law Lanny Holsinger.
Agraveside service will be held on November 11 at 3 p.m. at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, followed by a Celebration of Life
at Hotel Madison from 4-6 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Good Samaritan Hospice Inc., 2408 Electric Rd., Roanoke, VA,
24018; or Blue RidgeArea Food Bank, P.O. Box 937, Verona, VA, 24482.
Kyger Funeral Home