David S. Vallari

David Stephen Vallari, age 68, died unexpectedly on February 12, 2026, in Libertyville, Illinois.

Born in Old Tappan, New Jersey, to Robert J. Vallari and Barbara R. Venator, David earned his undergraduate degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech) and his Ph.D. in biochemistry from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center at Memphis in affiliation with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, where he attended on a full scholarship. While in graduate school, he met and married the love of his life, Anadruzela Santos.

Following postdoctoral work at Oak Ridge National Laboratories, David was recruited by Abbott Laboratories, where he dedicated more than 32 years to diagnostic product development. Over the course of his career, he helped launch numerous products, including the first FDA-approved Hepatitis B Virus Core Antigen assay (Abbott PRISM HBcore) and authored 27 original articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. David's scientific excellence was recognized by his colleagues, and he was honored with the prestigious Abbott Chairman's Award on two occasions.

David had an analytical mind and unending curiosity for life. He was passionate about traveling, solving puzzles, cooking, cleaning, long nature walks, gardening, good red wine, music from the 70's and his favorite sports teams (Hokies and Mets). Recently, David became fluent in Italian - a reflection of his lifelong commitment to learning and growth. David was a simple man with a kind and gentle spirit. He was clever, loyal, honest, steadfast in his values and was happiest surrounded by family, especially his six grandchildren.

David is survived by his wife of 42 years, Ana; his children Ranshe (Ben) Muck, Kara (Kevin) Darling, and Tristan; his cherished grandchildren Vincent, Sophie, Palmer, Isla, Hudson, and Louie; his siblings Robert (Lauren), Lori, and Paul (Judy). He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:30 AM on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6401 Gages Lake Road, Gurnee, Illinois 60031, with visitation at St. Paul's one hour prior to Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church are greatly appreciated.