OBITUARY

David A. Lynch

July 24, 1944 – January 4, 2013

David A. Lynch was born in Chicago on July 24, 1944, and raised in Wilmette, IL. A graduate of St. Joseph’s Elementary and New Trier High School, Dave pursued a path to the collegiate level where he fulfilled his love of sport. He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati graduating with a Masters in Education. In addition to playing basketball and baseball at Xavier, he went on to coach and recruit basketball at the university. This enabled him to pursue his career in teaching and athletics. Dave headed west to Tucson, AZ, where he began his young adult life and family. He was a physical education teacher at Santa Rita High School, a nationally ranked handball player (went on to play professionally and was ranked 8th in the nation), and a basketball junkie. He coached boys and girls basketball and girls softball at Santa Rita High School. His 1978 boys’ basketball team was state runner-up and his 1984 girls’ basketball team was undefeated State Champion. He finished his teaching career at Rincon High School. In addition to teaching and coaching he made a mark in this world with his dedication to public service. He was a Eucharist minister, frequented the sick and dying, offered countless hours to the homebound, and was always active in the Catholic Church. After Dave moved to Chula Vista, CA, he continued to teach high school in the South Bay High School District and Holy Trinity Catholic School while also teaching tennis at Southwestern Community College. Upon retirement, Dave enjoyed traveling with his wife Gloria and spending time with family and friends at social gatherings. His competitive nature and determination prepared him to face the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease. While his persona was unquestionably larger than life, his humility and grace were equally impressive. His legacy will certainly continue to shine brightly in his loving family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife Gloria; loving children Amy (Rob) Pike and granddaughter Carson, Ryan (Stacy), and Jenny; sisters Mary (Don) Romano, Kate (Dennis) Leahy, Nellie (John) Patterson; and a devoted fan club of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, step-children and step-grandchildren.

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Services

  • Visitation Tuesday, January 8, 2013
  • Catholic Funeral Mass Wednesday, January 9, 2013
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REMEMBERING

David A. Lynch

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Mark Eckman

November 28, 2017

I grew up on Chilton Ln, down the same street as Dave's family. Back then he always encouraged me to do my best. I think of him from time to time and fondly remember his wise words and encouragement. May you rest in peace Dave, you are not forgotten.

November 6, 2015

Coach Lynch was my Physical Education teacher at SRHS from 1988-1991. He was the first teacher, of less than a handful, that made a difference in my life. I became an Physical Education Teacher because of Coach Lynch. I went back and saw Coach a couple years after I graduated and told him how much I appreciated him. I let him know I was going to school to be a teacher because of him.

I think of him often and wish I could have paid my respects at his funeral.

He was a great coach, mentor, and teacher.

Rest in Peace Coach

Richard Jones Class of 91

Tristan Ward

July 14, 2013

Coach Lynch, what do you say about a man who always put his students ahead of everything? I was very blessed to be in your PE class and played basketball all 4 years I was there. Not only was Coach Lynch a great coach but also a great man! I remember many a time him talking with me about not only sports but also about life. I see I was not the only person who's heart he touched and that doesn't surprise me.

Thank you for everything you taught me and how you made all of us students accountable for our actions. To the family my deepest sympathy but most sincere thanks for sharing this great man with us.

Betsy Hijazi

March 31, 2013

Dave's light brightens my path daily.

Betsy Hijazi (Geiger)

March 31, 2013

When I look at my years at SRHS (83-87), my strongest and most important memories are of Dave. I started out as a student in P.E. and quickly moved into a role where I was assisting him in class. Not a surprise looking back on that, considering that I have been an Executive Assistant for the majority of my career.

I wish that I had kept in touch with Dave long after high school, and it is beautiful to see all of the remembrances people have posted here about him.

The last time I saw Dave was on a return visit to Tucson, a couple years after I had graduated, married, and moved to Boston. We visited, me as a married young adult, he, the once teacher who became my friend and lifelong inspiration.

I have fond memories of friendship, specifically throughout high school. Yes, he mentored me, but subtly. He truly cared about me, and my relationships with friends and family. He welcomed me into his life as well as his family's, and while I didn't spend time specifically with them, I received family Christmas cards for years as the kids grew up.

I wish that I could quote fully what he once wrote in my yearbook as I decided to move from Tucson to live with my mom in Boston. It has stayed with me all these years because it was a pure and beautiful sentiment -- and that was that distance may separate you in miles, but friendship will always be the bridge that keeps you close. Those aren't the exact words, and I can only imagine that he spoke these same words to so many others, given how inspirational he was to so many. These were the words that gave me strength and forever sealed the friendship that we successfully forged.

He had such a great spirit. For years I wondered about him, even tried to find him online without success. I googled him extensively, asked others if they knew about him, but it was impossible to find information. A few years ago someone posted on Facebook that he was in California and living with Parkinson's and not doing well, and I thought to write and am regretful that I was unable to fulfill that desire before he passed. But I am content with the knowledge that he was loved by so many, and he loved and showed compassion to so many more. And I cherish the gifts that he bestowed upon me day to day in high school, and the happiness that I have felt every time I have thought of him for the past 25+ years.

His light will continue to brighten my path for the rest of my life.

Thank you Dave.

Mark Bonin

March 15, 2013

Never interacted with him much, but, the times that I did in my years at Santa Rita, he was one of the kindest and wisest teachers I had ever met.
My prayers and condolences to the Lynch family.

March 9, 2013

I played handball with Dave in Tuscon, he was great guy, incredible athlete
will miss him, just heard he passed away. Tony Pazos, Phoenix. Az.

Robyn Little

February 24, 2013

My name is Robyn Little, a former student of SRHS - Class of '80 - known then as Robyn Whiteman. I now live in Vermont. This morning, I was looking at my HS year book from my Junior Year, 1979, and was sharing with my daughter and husband fond memories of basketball season. My daughter plays JV Basketball and is becoming passionate for the game. I looked up Coach Lynch on-line as I became curious as to what became of him. I didn't know him well but, am saddened to learn of his passing. I pray that God's strength and grace pour out on his loved ones at this time of loss. May they see hope in all he did and that they would pass on his passions, his spirit and his love of sport.

Eddie Southard

February 20, 2013

To Dave and his family,
42 years ago this day Dave was in my wedding in Wichita,Ks and it was the biggest snow storm in Wichita's history. I know you have a part in this Dave, as God is sending us a 24 inch blizzard as my daughter is typing this for me!
You always had the last word Dave, and you win again! I miss my BEST friend I ever had, but your in my heart, my mind, and my soul daily. I thank the the good lord for your friendship, humor, and telling me about God when I was an out-of-control 19 year old in Springfield, IL.
To your family, I send nothing but LOVE and PRAYERS as I think about my best buddy daily.
In conclusion, I will strive to live by the motto you taught me when we were 19, "Eddie, you're only young once..but we can be immature forever!" Thank you for sharing 50 years of your life with me!
Your BEST friend forever,
Eddie Southard

Lisa Fowler

February 1, 2013

I met David as one of the participants in a group fitness class at the YMCA. He was a huge part of the class with such kindness. He used his sense of humor so quietly sometimes I would be three steps away before I would catch it. I would turn back grinning as it just caught up with me what he said and he was patiently standing there waiting for me to catch his cleverness! My favorite memory is how David single handedly taught the whole class how to dribble (we use balls in class) we were using them and balls were going everywhere and David said you just use your fingers Amazing it worked!!
We miss your Dad , and your husband , we miss our friend
My prayers are with his family and friends to help through such a sad time

IN THE CARE OF

Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary
Bonita, CA
619-498-4600