David Pharr III

New York. David was known for his infectious laughter, his continuous joking spirit and

tremendous sense of humor, and his thoughtful kind heart. He was always finding ways

to put a smile on your face and to be of help to everyone he encountered.

David spent his early childhood in Yonkers with his parents and his older sister Letisha.

He also spent much time in Harlem with his beloved late grandparents Claude Sr. &

Dorothy Irish and his cousin (more like a brother) Claude Irish III, or as most know him

as CJ.

In 2000, he and his mother moved to Englewood, NJ. where they lived with his Aunt Keen,

Uncle Ralph. When his twin cousins, Genesis and Indigo were born, he took on the role of

big brother and protector. This close-knit household provided a nurturing environment

during his formative years. He completed his primary education and graduated from

Paramus Catholic High School in Paramus, NJ in 2007. Upon graduating from high school,

David briefly attended HBCU Shaw University, in Raleigh, NC.

In his working tenure, David had become a certified welder and worked various jobs

fitting of this trade. In 2017, David decided to become a State of New Jersey

Corrections Officer. With his credentials, he worked in the corrections department for the

New Jersey Training School, a juvenile detention center located in Monroe Township,

NJ. He is fondly remembered by his brothers and sisters in Blue and as it has been

said, they will keep his name alive.

David was most notably known for his exceptional and gifted abilities in football. David

began playing football when he was just 6 years old. He continued all the way

through high school where he gained notoriety for his skills. He had been featured in an

article for NJVarsity.com in 2005 after participating in the first annual National

Underclassmen Combine. He expressed his views of that game and the

competitiveness of high school football outside of New Jersey. The article highlighted

David’s stats at the end of his Sophomore year. He played safety and finished the

season with 60 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. This

career highlight gave him the opportunity to move into the position of wide receiver for

his junior and senior seasons. During his senior season, David was featured on ESPNs

“Catch of the Week” which highlighted exceptional high school football players.

Needless to say, the recruiters were watching him. He was getting offers from Duke,

Florida State, Indiana, Maryland, Virginia and Michigan State. David’s high school

football career was fostered under Coach Chris Partridge. This Coach Partridge is the

same current linebacker coach for the NFL 2026 Superbowl Champs, Seattle

Seahawks. David left a remarkable legacy at Paramus Catholic High School which is

still highlighted in the school to this very day. An unfortunate traumatic head injury that

took place after David had graduated from high school ended David’s opportunity to

continue playing football. We all know how much football meant to him. It was his

passion. However, he will forever be our Number 8 and our Star Player!

David’s death was untimely, unexpected and heartbreaking. He departed this life on

February 4, 2026. He left us way too soon. However, the impact he has left on all

those who knew and loved him has been immeasurable. He will forever be loved and

missed. While he was so young, he left a lasting legacy that we will carry in our

hearts for eternity.

David is survived by his parents, David Jr & Lawana Pharr, and sister Letisha Pharr-Gethers.