Dave McCartney

A hug from Dave was unforgettable. It was strong and real, and you knew he meant it. He never met a stranger and made you feel at ease as he was always interested in your life and your unique story.

David Joseph McCartney was born on January 28, 1967 in Philadelphia PA to the late Albert D. McCartney and Jane Rindo Maunus. He is survived by wife and soulmate Liza Barry, adopted daughter Ava Barry, son Christian McCartney and daughters, Julia and Chloe McCartney. He leaves behind his sister, Susan E. McCartney.

After graduating from Cheltenham High School in 1985, Dave went on to pursue a bachelor's degree in Engineering and Commerce at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA, graduating in 1990.

He began his career shortly thereafter in Houston in the oil industry. As many may not know, he also opened the Green Gorilla Grill, one of the first vegetarian "fast food" options for health conscious people. But don't be fooled....he was also famous for his juicy and tender BBQ ribs!

Eventually he moved to Austin where he focused on what would become his true passion, a career in real estate, as an agent and developer. That is where he met his forever best friend and future wife, Liza, in 2013. They just celebrated their 10 year anniversary.

Outside his professional life, Dave had many interests. He loved to paddleboard, especially with his 100 lb Akita, Hyland, in tow. He enjoyed biking, weightlifting, fishing and experimenting in the kitchen. He always loved a party and being in the company of others. He loved fast cars and anything to do with aliens. He was a huge fan of UT and sponsored many a tailgate...and let's not forget the Philadelphia Eagles, his favorite football team. He enjoyed a close knit group of friends and their weekly happy hour at County Line on the hill and poker with the boys. He was a faithful servant of the Catholic church, and he participated in CHRP, a men's faith based group, leading several of their retreats. He loved his house on Lake Austin, which he called his "legacy," a place for future generations of his family to enjoy and call home.

Dave was known for his larger than life personality and his ability to make anything fun. Even the most dull tasks like painting an entire house for his wife, became a party. Add a bottle of wine and some music, along with some silly dance moves, and the fun began. His wit was quick and his sarcasm caustic, like a true Philadelphian. But those who knew him, knew it was all in good spirit and that he was truly a gentle giant....a softie that got teary- eyed watching Kung Fu Panda. He was loyal to a fault and protected the ones he loved with fervor. He was a true and generous friend that would do anything you asked at the drop of a hat. You could always ask Dave for help, and you always knew he'd be there...

Dave's life was cut short at the early age of 56. After a relatively short but intense battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. In all of the struggle he never lost hope or his faith, and he fought with determination until the end. He lost the fight on December 1, 2023.

Those who knew him loved him and we are deeply saddened by his untimely departure.

Services for David J. McCartney will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, December 15, 2023, at Saint John Neumann Catholic Church, located at 5455 Bee Caves Road, Austin, TX 78746. Prior to the service, a recitation of the rosary will take place at 9:30 AM in the chapel. Graveside burial for close friends and family following mass will be held at Austin Memorial Park located at 2800 Hancock Dr. Austin, TX 78731 and Celebration of Life reception at 1:00 PM at the Egan's: 10401 Treasure Island Drive, Austin TX, 78730. All are welcome.

Please join the family in honoring Dave's memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a contribution in Dave's honor to his favorite charity, Mobile Loaves and Fishes, at http://www.mlf.org or a charity of your preference.

"You never said I’m leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” -- Author Unknown.