David M. Gerdes was born in Queens, NY on December 26, 1968 to Lydie and Philippe Gerdes. David always had a positive attitude about life. The 5th of 7 siblings, he enjoyed scouting, family trips, camping, bicycling, music, rap (his tag name was "SOOP"), and team sports. An adventurous child growing up on Hollis Avenue in Queens Village, NY, David was home schooled due to a bicycle accident at the age of 5, which left him in a body cast for one year, and again several years later after a motorcycle accident. David was ambitious, and started working at the age of 14 as a Deliverer for the Daily News. It was the start of a lifelong affection for his Hollis Avenue community. David, like his father, enjoyed nature and country life at the Gerdes family vacation home in Shade Gap, PA, as well as many family trips around the U.S. and vacations in Haiti. He was baptized, a beloved member and scholarship recipient of Queens Baptist Church.
David graduated from August Martin HS in 1987. He obtained a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1992. He developed lifelong friends while at RPI, and enjoyed alumni activities and events. David never let barriers get in the way of pursuing his dreams. After being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his freshman year in college, David held an internship with IBM, and subsequently worked at General Electric. He worked for many years at the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) on water treatment and community awareness issues. After the death of his beloved father, David left DEC and used his communication and business skills in various entrepreneurial endeavours, including DMG Cleaning and Gerdes Engineering, as well as working for Gerdes Brothers Moving and Rojo Towing.
David loved life, family and people, and was thoughtful and considerate of others through kind words, keeping in touch with regular phone calls, and donations to charitable organizations. He was very sociable and easily made friends wherever he went, generous of spirit and heart. David was hospitalized many times throughout his life, and family and friends who loved him used many strategies to address the challenges of behaviors associated with his illness. David was able to live a productive and happy life because of his faith in God, and the love, support and encouragement he received from family, friends, churches, and employers. He appreciated the support of family, neighborhood churches, and friends when he lived in Glens Falls, NY. He enjoyed the company of his many friends at Sanford Home in Queens, NY.
David was a beloved son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin and friend to many. Following an almost 3-year battle with lung cancer, visits and affirmations of love from close family and friends, and with the loving care and prayers of his beloved mother the night before, David left us peacefully in his sleep on October 11, 2017, in Flushing, Queens.
David leaves behind beautiful memories with those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his mother, Lydie Gerdes, siblings Philippe, Roland, Gina, Mona, Patrick and Richard Gerdes, in-laws Bryan Blaney, Karen Dockett Gerdes, Eileen Gerdes, Jianelli Gerdes, Honore Wogomebu, aunts and uncles Anne Marie Adrien, Marcelle Gourdet, Claire Paultre, Guy & Claire E. Paultre, Paulette Paultre, Therese Paultre, Yvonne Paultre, Janine Somerville, nephews and nieces Kai Gerdes, Nia Gerdes; Julien Blaney, Madelyn Blaney, Maiya Blaney; Kyra Gerdes, Nicole Gerdes, Sydney Edwards; Richard Gerdes, Jr., Brianna Gerdes, Mark Alequin, Giovanni Sierra, and a host of cousins and friends.
David's warmth and love will forever be a part of our lives... he will be missed and cherished.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The family deeply thanks all who have expressed their sympathy, condolences, and love for David and our family. The family can never say enough thanks to Dr. Clerisme, a friend who cared for David throughout his life. Sincere thanks to the medical, nursing and support staff at the various hospitals and nursing homes where David was treated. The family acknowledges and appreciates the love of Queens Baptist Church, members and Rev. Gibbs as we celebrate David's life and transition from this earth. We appreciate all those around the country and world who lifted David up in prayer.
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