David Bryan Lerner

Glendale - David Bryan Lerner died on September 23, 2023 at the age of 80, after a long and courageous battle against Alzheimer's Disease. He was born in Los Angeles to John and Helen Lerner. The family moved to Phoenix after David's birth, then Honolulu, Spain, and England, where he graduated high school. He earned a Master of Science in electrical engineering at MIT, then returned to England to work in a pub and enjoy his friends. He was drafted into the Army and served as a Science and Engineering specialist at White Sands Missile Range for two years, where he met and married Deborah. They moved to Los Angeles, then Phoenix. David worked as a software engineer and project manager for Litton Industries, Honeywell, and Honeywell Bull. He was a community activist and chaired a group who distributed employee contributions to community nonprofits. He served on the board of Lura Turner Homes. He transitioned to a more rewarding vocation, working for NAMI in various positions, and loved serving the community in these roles. Throughout life he pursued various interests: organizing/playing on the Honeywell Oldham Athletic Football Team (this team was the beginning of the Phoenix Recreational Soccer League), hiking, camping, running marathons (including the Boston Marathon), and raising his children. He coached children's soccer, little league, and Challenger Little League. He was known for his exceptional intellect, impeccable integrity, and dry wit. Family was the center of his life, especially his sons, Josh, Ben, and Sam, who survive him. He is also survived by his sister Karen, her husband Jeff, their four daughters and grandchildren; and by Ben's beloved wife Jenna and their daughters Sarah and Hailey. (Papa thought grandkids were the best.) His parents preceded him in death. An informal celebration of David's life will be held Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Shepherd of the Hills United Methodist Church, 13658 W Meeker Bl., Sun City West, AZ 85354. Friends are welcome to share in remembrance of a life well lived with luncheon following. Memorial contributions may be made in David's name to Lura Turner Homes or NAMI, although he generously supported a wide range of worthy causes.