David James Baldwin

David James Baldwin, age 30, of Erie, ended his life on Friday, November 2, 2018 after a long and hard-fought battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Depression. He was the beloved son of Beth Baldwin of Erie and Allen Hawthorne of Erie.

David was an accomplished residential builder. He successfully completed several townhome projects in Millcreek, with his Grouse Hollow subdivision currently under development. David's memory will never be defined by his work, however central a role it played in his life. Those who loved him so well – and there are many – will always remember his huge heart, his humor, his kindness, and his willingness to be there to help, to comfort, and to delight, even and especially in the depths of his OCD and depression. His dear friend Devon speaks for us all: "I am absolutely devastated…Dave changed my life for the better, he brought me out of a very dark place and I will forever love and thank him for that. I wish I knew how badly he was suffering and was there for him when he needed it." David was a master at hiding that suffering. He did so to spare those he loved. Many friends supported him in his journey. He loved them dearly, and he and we are eternally grateful.

In addition to his mother and his father, and his father's wife Cindy, David is survived by his brother, Nathan Baldwin, wife Erika of Madison, Wis.; aunts and uncles, John Baldwin, wife Mary Gail and their children, Allison, Bob, and Melanie; Bruce Baldwin, wife Sheila and their children, Torie, Andy, and Keith; Chris Baldwin, wife Cheryl, and their children, Heather, Scott, Laura, Hallie, and Kim; Greg Baldwin (Tammy Hahn) and his children, Greg, Matthew, Heidi, Drew, and Kaitlyn; Regina Baldwin, and her daughters, Sara, and Amelia. He is also survived by Cindy Kendzioria, husband John, and their daughter, Cathy; Dennis Hawthorne, and his daughter, Maxine, Denise Hicken, husband Dennis, and their children, Kim, Kelly, and Jerry; William Hawthorne, and his son, Daniel; Lorie Hawthorne, and Bill, and their children, Billy, and Kim; Ed Hawthorne, and his son, Joey, and additional cousins, Christopher and Julie Hawthorne.

We want to especially thank Michelle Curtze, his therapist for many years, Matthew Baldwin, John LaPaglia-Durante, and the families of Dave and Debbie Sciamanda, and Don and Michelle Butterfield. Their love and compassion knew no bounds.

Last but not least, his beloved dogs, Titan and Shelby. For over a decade they were his joy, his comfort, and his companions.

Friends are invited to call at Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 W. 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd., Sunday, from 2 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Butler Hospital OCD Clinic, Attn: Dr. Nicole McLaughlin, 345 Blackstone Blvd, Providence, RI 02906. Condolences to www.bruggerfuneralhomes.com.

Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits.