David Polefrone

David was born to Amy and Phillip Polefrone in South Carolina. David attended the University of Maryland for his undergraduate education where he majored in economics and chemistry. David was a student leader at the University of Maryland, involved in Student Government, parliamentary debate, and Omicron Delta Kappa. After graduating with honors from University of Maryland, David attended The University of Pennsylvania where he graduated with his M.S. in Organic Chemistry. David had recently moved to Washington, D.C. and had started an exciting career working in data science.

David was interested in a variety of different subjects and studied each intensely. Quite simply, David was brilliant and engaging. Most of all, he had a loving and big heart – loving his family and friends and always encouraging those around him to grow and blossom. He believed in people!

Though David’s time on earth with us was far too brief, the depth of the brilliance, love, and memories that David shared will ripple through generations. David was a tall, dashing, and incredible person – we were proud beyond measure to call him our son, brother, grandson, friend.

David’s legacy of love lives on through his loving and devoted parents, Phil and Amy Polefrone, sister Joy Polefrone and her husband Nick Read, grandparents Jim and Judy, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews, who love him. He now joins his grandparents, Joe and Mae, and other wonderful family members in heaven. Truly, David loved his family and friends, wherever they were, whoever they were. He was known for his big hugs, engaging conversation, friendly demeanor, and great manners. David also leaves behind an amazing circle of friends from college, graduate school, and all the places he has lived – certainly, “friends who have become family.” David made friends easily, wherever he went – young and old. His spirit is flying and soaring above us, of this we are certain.

A memorial service to honor David will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at Naples United Church of Christ Church in Naples, Florida. An additional memorial service will be held in Ellicott City, Maryland, later this summer (details to follow from the family).

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider donations in David’s memory to the following meaningful areas of David’s life: Cornell School of Ornithology, The American Legion, Omicron Delta Kappa at the University of Maryland, The Henrietta Lacks Foundation, or The Bird Gardens of Naples (Florida).

We invite you to join us and share your favorite stories of David. We are comforted and strengthened by Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds.”

Our world is quieter and emptier without David Polefrone, and we are profoundly grateful for the impact and legacy he bestowed upon us. His love was his greatest gift to us. David, we love you.