David Bryan

David Bryan obituary, New York, NY

David Bryan

David Bryan Obituary

Published by Greenwich Village Funeral Home on Feb. 21, 2019.
David C. Bryan, Esq. August 26, 1967 - February 21, 2019 David Bryan of New York City and Madrid, Spain passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Manhattan home on February 20, 2019. He leaves behind his beloved mother, Edith Bryan of Lacey, WA, and his brother, Ken Bryan of Seattle, WA, as well as scores of loving friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard G. Bryan. David was born in Cincinnati and grew up there and in New Jersey. He graduated summa cum laude from Amherst College and then from Columbia Law School. David began his legal career as an Associate at Christy & Viener before joining Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz. He had a distinguished career as a bankruptcy litigator and was elected Partner at Wachtell, Lipton in January 2000. Among many other professional highlights, David helped lead the Wachtell trial team that defeated an attempt to impose $500 million in liability on Campbell Soup arising from a spin-off. He then co-authored an important Business Lawyer article on corporate valuation disputes based on the Campbell case. Later, representing the bank lenders in the Spectrum Brands bankruptcy case, David's extraordinary efforts as lead litigator led to a very successful outcome for his clients after trial. David's courtroom skills routinely drew praise from colleagues and adversaries alike. David also served as a trusted mentor and inspiration to a generation of younger lawyers. He retired from Wachtell, Lipton in December 2012. David had a lifelong love of horses and riding. He excelled in riding lessons as a child and as a teenager competed successfully on the New Jersey show jumping circuit. After his retirement, David traveled the world on active adventure vacations, making many new friends along the way. He searched out exotic horseback adventures in many parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Iceland, Patagonia, Mongolia, Kenya, and Botswana. David also devoted himself to philanthropic organizations, most notably the LGBT Community Center in New York City, where he served on the Board of Directors. He enjoyed hosting wonderful parties, many of which were fundraisers for charities he supported. He also donated his legal services to help those in need, particularly in the area of immigration law. Details of a memorial will be announced later. Memorial donations may be made on line at gaycenter.org/memory.

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February 28, 2019

Caloy Mendoza posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2019

Marcelo Turbiner posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2019

David Evans posted to the memorial.

Caloy Mendoza

February 28, 2019

Rest In Peace, David. Thank you for your friendship with Joey and Art.

Marcelo Turbiner

February 28, 2019

Your wit and your joie de vivre were contagious and how much fun on that RSVP Cruise from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro....that was such an experience, jet skiing ...miss you David.

David Evans

February 28, 2019

An incredible man. Much love to his friends and family

Natalia Fernández López-Rey

February 27, 2019

David, en español, como siempre: Cinco años de clases de español con pasión, motivación, empeño y afecto. Quiero además agradecerte la mano que nos tendiste a mi familia y a mí haciendo una serie de llamadas y gestiones en Estados Unidos por un tema entonces importante para nosotras. Dejas un vacío físico al que me iré acostumbrando. Tiempo... Sin embargo, cuando camino por el centro de Madrid, sé que de alguna manera estás. Te recordaré siempre. Hasta siempre, David.

Raul Barral

February 27, 2019

It is hard to say goodbye to one of your best friends. David was more than a friend, my flatmate, my travel colleague, he was my family, my brother in crime, sometimes not sure if mentally I was the younger brother, but he made my life for the last years extraordinary happy. He was always there when I needed it. Right now I do not realize what happened, but in the following months I will miss you a lot. Sometimes it is hard to accept reality, but you will always be a part of me and you will always be in my heart. All our moments travelling and with horses will not be the same without you. David I promise I will be strong, and I know you and you would not like to see us sad. I love you and I will miss you. Do not be afraid of anything, everybody knows you are one of the best and extraordinary person on the planet. Will never forget you and you will always be with me my entire life.
Spain will always love you

Ignacio Mateos

February 27, 2019

Rest in peace, David Bryan. You are an incredibly important person in my life. I learned so much from you. Thank you so much for always being such a great friend and for helping me introducing me into our beloved New York City community! You will ALWAYS hold a very special place in my heart. Hasta siempre, amigo mío!

Marcy OBrien

February 26, 2019

I was so very saddened to learn of David's passing. I knew David only in the past few years but quickly learned how many lives he touched. He was the best combination of intelligence, caring, loyal, playful and serious - always embracing life and taking much that it has to offer. That is his legacy to me. He will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and his many, many friends all over the world.

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Sign David Bryan's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

February 28, 2019

Caloy Mendoza posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2019

Marcelo Turbiner posted to the memorial.

February 28, 2019

David Evans posted to the memorial.