David Danko Gateff

David Danko Gateff passed away February 16, 2020, peacefully with his mother and father by his side in Springfield, Virginia. David was laid to rest on October 15, 2020, at Arlington National Cemetery. He was born on July 8, 1965, in Sacramento, California to Lt. Col Eli D. and Esther M. Gateff. David spent fifty four years in the loving care of his mother and father as he was born with severe autism. He embraced his frequent moves with his family wherever the Air Force sent them, by learning, adjusting, and loving each new place. He touched lives along the way with his cunning and unique personality and special sense of humor. David had an impressive memory and special artistic capabilities. Those who knew him well were familiar with his black crayon stained hands and his love of recreating Sears and J.C. Penney catalogs. David made countless trips with his parents and friends to many antique and resale shops in search of old catalogs and architectural books to duplicate. He enjoyed vi siting churches and architecturally interesting buildings, which he would recreate with his beloved Lego blocks. David enjoyed roller coasters, swimming, music from the fifties, and his annual trip to Massanutten, Virginia with his mom and dad. David also enjoyed visiting his extended family in Connecticut and Texas. David was blessed with friends, family, teachers, and caregivers whom he loved and appreciated. He looked forward to and enjoyed spending time with every one of them. David is survived by his parents, Lt. Col Eli D., and Esther Gateff; two brothers and one sister and their spouses; John and Carrie Gateff of Frisco Texas, Eli and Wendy Gateff of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Tammy and Gregory Perrone of Argyle, Texas; five nieces, and three nephews