David Alven

1936 - 2023

David Alven
November 17, 1936 - March 13, 2023
Bluffton, South Carolina - David Hill Alven, 86, was born in Evanston, Illinois, to Helen (Hill) and Alfons Alven on November17, 1936. He spent his youth in Syracuse, NY. After graduating from Governor Dummer Academy (now The Governor's School) in Byfield, MA, he spent his college years at Princeton University in NJ. Following graduation, he continued his education for an MBA from The Wharton School in Philadelphia, PA.
In 1960 David began his career in Pittsburgh with Mellon Bank. It was while there he became a rabid Penguins, Pirates and Steelers fan ("Terrible Towel" and all). In 1968 he was recruited to join the Marketing Department of Morgan Guarantee Trust (now JP Morgan Chase) in New York City. It was there he met his wife of 51 years, Kathryn. During his tenure with Morgan, he transitioned to their Municipal Bond Department, assisting Morgan's high net-worth clients with their investment portfolios. After 25 years with Morgan David took early retirement - which lasted only two weeks. He spent the next 10 years as a stock/bond broker with Morgan Stanley in White Plains, NY. He was a past member of Siwanoy Country Club while in New York and a current member of Berkeley Hall Club. Together, Kathy and he spent 29 years in their "starter house" in Bronxville, NY.
In 2001 they relocated to the Hilton Head area where they had vacationed for years. Shortly thereafter they had their home built in Rose Hill, where they still reside. Over the years David was involved in a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from Meals on Wheels, Caring Neighbors, the Bluffton Boys and Girls Club, serving as an election day Poll Manager and as well as with several other volunteer organizations. He was a voracious reader and adept at doing The New York Times crossword puzzles daily. Over the years Kathy and he were able to travel extensively and in their later years especially enjoyed cruising.
David was predeceased by his parents, his only sibling Stephen, a brother-in-law Lawrence, two sisters-in-law, Darlene and Joanne and nephew-in-law Scott. In addition to his wife and his beloved Westie, Toby, he is survived by his nephew David (Gina) and niece Sandra and their children. He also is survived by his in-law family – Mary Jane, Tommy (Wendy), Tom, Mary Beth (Michael), Kathy (Louis), Suzie (John), Megan (Tom), Lauren, Eddie (Aimee), Linda, Sharon (Ed), Colleen (Doug), Tracy (his fairy Goddaughter) and Megan, as well as their children. He was a well-loved Uncle (aka "UD").
Without the love and support of family, friends near and far and neighbors, his final journey would have been overwhelming. Thank you to the Hilton Head Hospital ICU and PCU staff for their care while he was there. A special thank you to Angie, his physical therapist, Kelley his occupational therapist and Kathy, his home help aide. Crescent Hospice made him comfortable through his transition. A celebration of his well-lived life will be held at a later date.