David K. Rau

David K. Rau obituary, Phoenix, AZ

David K. Rau

David Rau Obituary

Visit the Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

David K. Rau (1963-2025), age 62, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025 surrounded by family in Phoenix, Arizona after a year-long battle with cholangiocarcinoma. David married his beloved wife, Giulianna, in 1994 and together they raised two children, Cassandra and Nicholas. David enjoyed spending his time coaching soccer, experiencing nature, and napping with his dog, Luna. Even in his illness, David was endlessly devoted to providing for his family and friends and never failed to show his sense of humor that was so familiar to all those who knew him. David is survived by his parents, George and Jean Rau, his brother, Greg, his wife of 31 years, Giulianna, and his children, Cassandra and Nicholas.

On Monday, September 15, 2025 a visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix, Arizona 85018; with a funeral Mass to follow in Brophy Chapel at Brophy College Preparatory, 4701 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85012 at 4:00 p.m.

David was a man who constantly showed his love through action and leaves behind a legacy of friendship, family, and faith that lives on in all of those he cared for.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at https://give.cholangiocarcinoma.org/fundraiser/6653190

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home

4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David Rau's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more