I will never forget the time I visited my husband, Bill Sellers, at David’s lab in the 90s.  While Bill was nowhere to be found, I heard this loud jubilant voice laced with some colorful language stomping down the hallway.  Some great experiment results just turned up, and it was David’s way to express his excitement.  Little did he know that I was sitting quietly waiting for Bill.  When he saw me, he was a bit caught off guard and apologized for his overly enthusiastic behavior.  That was the David that I always remember: so passionate and full of energy.  Over the years, we rarely see him with everyone’s busy work schedule.  But when I did get to meet him again, he always called out my name, my children’s name. He reminded me that my son and he went to the same schools (Exeter and Tufts), and they both love hockey.  
David, thank you for inspiring my husband to be a better scientist and treating us as one of your own.  If there is an afterlife, I believe yours will continue to be a joyful and inspiring one.  No one can resist your captivating laugh and infectious enthusiasm.  


I have a fond memory of the time we spent together on an evaluation committee for Cancer Centers in Europe. It was the first time we met and since then we've had great scientific and other discussions. I will miss him. A real mentor.

Dear Emily and family - David had a long and lasting history with my   wife's family through his work at Dana Farber, but when we met for the first time, over 20 years ago, I felt like I was the one with the special relationship - even though we had just met.  His humor, love for Ireland, joy and use of colorful language made us feel like two peas in a pod.  David's joy of life, infectious laugh and constant sense of inclusion made him an amazing person to be around and  proud to call a friend.  His memory and life will also hold a special place in my heart.  Rest in Peace David - You'll Never Walk Alone.

I was a post-doc in David's lab during the late 1980's. I am very saddened to hear the news of David's passing; my  condolences to the family.
To say that this man was an extraordinary mentor and scientist is an understatement. I remember a time when David was traveling extensively, and when he returned, without fail, he made a point to stop and speak with each individual in his group to see what new developments occurred while he was gone. What sticks in my mind the most is that he had total recall of each individual pre-travel conversation - at the time there were at least a dozen of us!
His passion for science will be truly missed, but for those of us who had the privilege  of training with him, it will not be forgotten.

John Ludlow

Dear David,

This year marks the 20th anniversary of our first meeting at the Pezcoller Symposium. The very first words we exchanged were not about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 proteins but about a novel by the Italian writer Italo Calvino! Not surprisingly, we kept on chatting, whenever possible (and rigorously in Italian–English was only for science!), about literature, music, and, of course, food during the intense years that followed, in your lab at the Dana-Farber–for me, not only a work but truly a life-changing experience.

I now smile thinking about that first conversation in Rovereto. And I smile recalling your loud enthusiasm when we last met, in Italy, four years ago, right before your (Pezcoller!) award lecture. That is how I will always remember you.
Ciao David.

My sincere, heartfelt condolences to Emily and all family members.

Arcangela


David was my teacher, graduate advisor, mentor and guide. I was a graduate student in his lab in 1990, and had the unbelievably good fortune to be part of his scientific group of amazing students and post-docs. David took a young, inexperienced neophyte under his wing and I grew under his tutelage to graduate in 1994. 
David was the most supportive, optimistic, creative and memorable mentor that I have had, and will ever have. He believed in me more than I believed in myself, and certainly more than I deserved. A polyglot, a polymath, a bon vivant who imbued the entire lab with buoyant enthusiasm. Science is hard with its ardous trials and tribulations, but with David around it was impossible to stay disappointed or dejected for long. He rejuvenated the lab with his infectious enthusisam. And when all else failed he would walk down the halls singing opera or Naepolitan songs. You had to smile and on some days, join him in an aria or two. 
David taught me so much about science, and about life. Our shared love for Italy made for heartwarming chats over the past several years. David will live on in our memories. I raise a toast to David and say  "La morte mi trovera vivo (Death will find me alive)" Addio, il mio professore, saro in debito con te sempre. 

David was one of a kind.  I knew when I came to DFCI it was important to meet the research leadership - David said he was confused why I would be meeting with him to which I said "I hear you are someone to meet before one has a situation or problem" - he smiled with his hands entwined sitting in his rocker in his office in Smith.  That began our relationship.   

I had also admired his car - and 2 years after a conversation about that - in his David only voice he said "Deb you want buy my CAAA" and I did.  I drive it today and that feels even more special.

His contributions as a mentor and a researcher so passionate like a middle weight fighter driven to outsmart a horrible disease - thank you David - we will all miss you and you were a dear friend and advisor.

Rest in peace and your legacy will live in lifetimes beyond.

Deb Hicks

I am truly saddened by the news of David's passing, and I send my heartfelt condolences to the entire family. I had known David many years, and he was always an unflagging supporter of my work and throughout my career, especially at a critical early juncture. 
I can never repay him for his kindness and support.
May his memory be a blessing.

OBITUARY

Dr. David M. Livingston

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