David Allen Sonenberg

David Sonenberg, local legend and supreme practical joker has made like Elvis, and left the building. He was 75. He told his final inappropriate joke on Jan. 24th, which shall not be printed here, and escaped this mortal realm heroically rushing into a collapsing building to save a litter of adorable puppies. Most of the above is true, but we all know how he loved telling stories.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn of 53 1/2 years, their children Sara-Beth and Wade (Sarah), and his grandchildren Brady, Connor, Sally, and Elise, his sister Nancy (Dan Hall), his brother Kent (Donna), and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved above all else. He was preceded in death by his father Murray, mother Sara Joyce, and his brother Bill.

Born at Emory Hospital in Atlanta sometime after the stone age, he "grew up" (we use this term lightly) in Smyrna where he attended Campbell of Smyrna High School. In 1962 he moved to Miami where he graduated from Palmetto High School, both places he held dear and from which kept many lifelong friends.

His mother, who graduated from UGA in 1940, told him "If heaven is anything like Athens, then I'll be happy." Though he may have been a four-year letterman, record holder, and award winning first baseman for the Miami Hurricanes, he was always Bulldawg at heart. Perhaps you'll see them walking hand in hand in Five Points after the inevitable trouncing of Clemson on this opening Saturday. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, of which exploits will be omitted due to continued jeopardy of double secret probation for his chapter and certain others. He graduated with a BBA from the University of Miami in 1967. It was in June of 1964 where he met Carolyn on a blind date. She held his heart ever since. They were married in August of 1967.

Enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1968, he quickly discovered he disapproved of being bossed around. His kindness, love for his fellow man and empathy led to him becoming a legend at Fort Polk, Louisiana by standing up against discrimination of his fellow soldiers. Nevertheless, he completed his six-year duty honorably, though redacted classified documents seem to suggest he drove every single one of his C.O.'s nuts.

Now, be warned mortals: how he smuggled an 80’s vintage brick phone into heaven is a matter of great conjecture, but we're sure he wouldn't ride out eternity without one. A consummate networker and communicator, he will certainly be calling in further pranks from beyond. So, if you find yourself in a situation of ironic happenstance of implausible origins, or receive a phone call from Fizz Lemon, Jackie Del Jackie or Puppy Papinski, smile and laugh with him as he reminds us how fun and treasured this life should be. Speaking of life, he was the life of the party. He never met a stranger and would tell us that we are a part of every single person we meet.

As a Rotarian who never, ever broke the attendance rules for Thursday meetings, he was defined by his purpose to leave this world and community better than he found it. His charitable actions went far beyond the untold lottery tickets that funded education. In fact, he and other community leaders founded North Fulton Community Charities where he served as President from 1983 to 2007. Previously, he served as Chairman of the Board of the North Fulton Child Development Association and on the Witness and Service Ministry at Roswell Presbyterian Church where he was also an Elder.

He began his career in commercial real estate in Miami, but shortly thereafter in 1975, borrowed cousin Eddy's camper and moved the whole family to a small town North of Atlanta. With a single traffic light, this historic riverside community named after a certain Mr. King was where he raised his family and called home. In an area ripe for growth and youthful field parties, he set about building a business with his beloved brother Bill, and founded The Sonenberg Company in 1978, which continues to serve the community to this day. His inclination for charitable work and business were guided by the same admirable traits of doing what is right, no matter how difficult. He led by example, by living his life with kindness, honesty, generosity and unconditional love and would be proud to have helped instill these ideals in many young men and women on the field, in business, and in the community. He was recognized by The National Board of Realtors for these charitable endeavors as a National Good Neighbor Award recipient in 2006, one of only five to receive such an award in the United States. An Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors recipient for the Phoenix Award and Lifetime Million Dollar Club member, he insisted on maroon and grey for the listing signs scattered among the area's commercial properties, but wisely, they at least weren't white and GT gold.

He was president of the Roswell Bulldog Club for which, among other shenanigans, he helped organize the annual Coaches Road Show and golf tournament, both benefiting the UGA Athletic Association. He coached his son of lesser athletic abilities, grandsons of greater, and many, many other young men at the Roswell Rec., in church leagues and Roswell's AAU teams, many of which would go on to capture the AAAA State Championships in basketball. He helped found the Roswell High School Hall of Fame as well as the Roswell High School Foundation for the benefit of constructing Ray Manus Stadium, the sports complex, and the auditorium at Roswell High School. He also served as a board member on the City of Roswell Recreation Commission.

Following his wishes, there will not be a service until the pandemic monster has been slain, but well-wishers are encouraged to write a note of farewell and fond memory on the "Pranked By David" Facebook group while enjoying a wholesome Rhea's Special hamburger.

David was the best husband, father and grandfather that anyone could ever hope for.

In lieu of flowers, the Sonenberg family would like donations to be made to his beloved North Fulton Community Charities at 11270 Elkins Rd, Roswell, GA 30076.

Oh, and remember, by mayoral decree April 19th is David Sonenberg day in Roswell. Or maybe it's not...but let's raise a toast to him in either case.