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DAVID KAHLE Obituary

KAHLE, David J. Visionary Leader, Gifted Educator, Devoted Husband & Father David Joseph Kahle, an innovator in the role of technology in higher education, enthusiastic outdoorsman, and deeply devoted husband and father, passed away May 11 after a short battle with cancer. He was 51. David served as Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer at Tufts University and Lecturer at Harvard University Graduate School of Education. "He was an original," said Tufts Executive Vice President Patricia Campbell, who'd known David since he arrived on campus in 1999. "His intellect was obvious. His diligence, his passion, how well he worked across many different areas - all of those traits made him a great leader." A gifted educator, David was in his 18th year teaching at Harvard University Graduate School of Education, making him one of the two longest-serving faculty members of the Technology, Innovation, and Education (TIE) program. "David had what I can only describe as a 'radiant good nature,'" reflected Joe Blatt, faculty director of the TIE program. "His warmth, his gentleness, his obvious engagement and caring, meant that you couldn't not like him - more than that, it meant that you recognized some special genuineness and authenticity about him ... immediately, easily, and unmistakably." But David's life was about more than his work. A resident of Manchester-by-the-Sea since 1987, he was an enthusiastic outdoorsman, avid conservationist, and student of the woods of Cape Ann. Over the last few years, he completed a strenuous traverse of the seven peaks of New Hampshire's Presidential Range, and had begun his goal of summiting those same mountains in winter, hiking Mount Washington in the ice and snow with the Appalachian Mountain Club in early March. David found the love of his life early on: he met his wife, Irma Levy, through summer theatre at Clarion University. The two would remain together for 32 years as they forged their careers and a shared life. He was deeply devoted to her and to their two teenage children, August and Emerson. They were David's pride and light, and they resemble him in their wit, intelligence, humor, and individuality. David grew up an only child in Clarion, Pennsylvania. After losing his mother, Margaret Dianne "Di" (De Corte) Kahle, as a young child, he was raised by his father, Duane Reed "Joe" Kahle, and his paternal grandparents, Elizabeth and Heber Kahle. Wherever he went and in all of life's chapters, David had the ability to build real and lasting friendships. He recognized and celebrated the good and unique qualities of others, and as true friends do, he loved without reserve. His relationships served as a steady anchor for him and so many others. In addition to his wife and children, David is survived by his aunt, Lois Kahle, of Clarion, PA; five sisters-in-law and five brothers-in-law; 11 nieces and nephews; and his two cherished Portuguese Water Dogs, Foster and Gracie. David was predeceased by his mother, Margaret Dianne Kahle, his father Duane Reed Kahle, and his paternal grandfather, Heber Kahle. His paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Kahle, passed away at age 103 on October 9. A Celebration of Life was held at Tufts University on September 7, where Tufts shared multiple honors in David's memory: The house at 47 Winthrop Street where David had his office will be named the David J. Kahle House. An Eastern Redbud tree was planted on the Tufts quad with a commemorative plaque. The David J. Kahle Award for Outstanding Work Involving Service Design has been established in his honor. Donations in David's name may be made to Friends of Manchester Trees (getrootedmanchester.org) and Manchester Essex Conservation Trust (mect.org) or to a land conservation effort of your choice.

View the online memorial for David J. KAHLE

Published by Boston Globe from Nov. 15 to Nov. 16, 2018.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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