David was a wonderful friend to my son, Alex Astudillo . They shared many hiking adventures and coffee house get togethers.  I am so appreciative of the companionship and kindness he offered .  It was a great loss for  my son to lose a true friend .

Mary Astudillo

It was with great sadness that I heard this news.  David believed in his cause with his hands and feet.  The majority of veterans we have served at Justice Jobs were referred to us by David.  Frederick is a poorer city without him.  We will miss his infectious energy and his enthusiasm for what is good and right!

I had the pleasure of calling David a friend, a Warrior, and brother in our journey. We had shared many of life’s same experiences and became close over the last two years.  His dedication to his cause was tremendous and touched and saved many lives.  I am honored and humbled to have shared our time together.  I am also grateful and blessed to have him at my retirement ceremony on 17 July, as this would be our last meeting.   I know he is truly at peace now and God will do the rest from here.

William David Poist Jr.
United States Army
Sergeant Major 

Not Forgotten
The Frederick News Post 
Wednesday , March 25
Thank you Dave for all your support. 
David started a Drive to support the needs of Recovery Homes in Frederick during the Covid outbreak, when may people had lost their jobs. David wanted to let them know that the community cared. David said, it was important to protect people, including those in at risk populations, veterans, people struggling with addiction and experiencing homelessness. Before the donations were delivered, they were double sanitized. "In times of crisis , we can be here to support those that are  at risk."

David and I met on the Ultimate Frisbee field where I learned he practiced the same form of Buddhism that my grandmother and I practice.  That was a "Myoho" moment in our lives (in other words, fate).  We practiced together and went to hundreds of 12 step meetings where we saw many similarities.  However, addiction is a constant struggle.  But, those who dedicate their lives to the Mystic Law can attain Buddhahood, just as they are, in this lifetime  The great sage Nichiren Daishonin said, "when he [David Perez] was alive, he was a Buddha in life, and now he is a Buddha in death.  He is a Buddha in both  life and death.  This is what is meant by that most important doctrine called Attaining Buddhahood in One's Present Form.  Viewed from the Buddhist teaching of the "Eternity of Life" , we have nothing to worry about for David.  Another beautiful thing Nichiren pointed out is from the Heritage of the Ultimate Law of Life.  He points out, "How can we possibly hold back our tears at the inexpressible joy of knowing that at the moment of death not just one or two, not just one hundred or two hundred , but as many as a thousand Buddhas will come to great us with open arms!"  As a fellow Nichiren Buddhist of the SGI, I know David fought bravely and valiantly until the very end, just as we did together .  I know he will continue his mission helping others find happiness in the next lifetime.  David I will see you again in the Pure Land of 
Eagle Peak.  Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

I’m going to miss Dave! He was a great community partner with me and the Maryland Department of General Services.  Dave always greeted me with love, respect and with the Islamic greeting of Assalamu  Alaikum. I wish we had more conversations so I could have been there for him at his time of need. Dave was very special and had a heart of gold. Peace, blessings and love my friend.  To his family, friends and colleagues, may God hold you all together and strong. 

David was the heart and soul of the word service, ALWAYS looking out for the best of others! Saying he will be missed only brushes the surface of my feelings! My heart deeply aches, but I am comforted to know we will meet again! Until that time, know how much you were dearly loved my friend! 

Thank you David for supporting the recovery community of Frederick, MD so selflessly and willingly. Whenever we needed you, you were there. You may be gone, but you'll never be forgotten my friend. Fly high 💜💜💜

I’ll miss you, brother. Thank you for sharing your gusto for life, curiosity, and philosophical bent.
Thanks for all the games of ultimate frisbee, for the book Blink, and for sharing your passion about serving others.

I’m so thankful we got to reconnect in person within this last year. I’m proud of you and all you accomplished.

Dave had a positive and infectious energy. I had the pleasure of meeting him during our time at Frederick community college. With him having a military background and being older, he influenced me to be better and contributed to my desire to join the military. For this, I owe much to Dave. I had always thought, that at some point we would meet up in the future to have a beer and share in times past. I am honored to be parted with him by our service and will cherish his memory. Rest in peace Dave. 

You and Joe are reunited. Tearing it up in the afterlife. Farewell my friend. 

I’m so glad you are not suffering anymore. I will always love and miss you. I will make sure your nieces and nephews know all about their uncle Dave like I have already with Joey. Until we meet again big brother ❤️

Its crazy to think that this probably was the last time we saw each other just over 7 years ago. You were always one of those guys that were there for anyone and made the day more fun. Our times of ulimate frisbe and pool at FCC and baker park, to the nights downtown in frederick. The one long trip we all took as a big group all the way to Virginia to Buffalo Wing Factory for one of your birthdays was one of the most odd, but fun nights ever. You're attempt at their death wings was met in failure but was laughter and joy for everyone else with you. And to extent for you also of course. There was never a dull moment when you were around. I wish I could've been there for you more my man. I couldn't imagine living through some of the struggles you did. Rest easy my friend... 💔 😥

I only knew Dave for a short period, but during that time I came to know him as someone that truly cared about our fellow veterans, especially my fellow wounded veterans, and how together we could make their lives better.  Its sad to think that while we were talking, especially about my nonprofit providing service dogs to veterans, that there may have been something that I could have done for him personally.  Rest in Peace, my friend and fellow Soldier.  

OBITUARY

David James Perez

22 December, 1985 – 29 August, 2020

Kraeer-Fairchild Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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