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DAVID KARPELL Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for DAVID KARPELL
Olivia Negron
October 9, 2015
How good it is to sit with these words of love for David. I think of him often and pray for him twice a day. He led me to my life's work when he invited me to help with his Children's Shakespeare Festival presentations. I knew him first as my dear friend's husband, and later as an inspired teacher, a loyal friend, and a gifted actor. In all those roles, David lived fully, with unflinching and clear-eyed honesty. I was always surprised and touched that he could remember the little things, like what food allergies we had, which plays we loved or loathed, the opinions we expressed, no matter how much time had passed since he had first found these things about us, he stored them like treasures to keep and share. His long, long struggle with the condition that finally claimed him seemed wrong and unfair, but it polished him like a diamond. He will shine forever in the hearts of those who love him. My wish for Stephanie, Katherine Lena, Carolee, and Bailey is that they know that David is safe and happy, healthy and whole where he is. As we shall all be. Love, Olivia
Kate Tully
October 9, 2015
You made the most magnificent children. Knowing my dad, that's the best compliment I can give you.
Maralyn Jabour
October 9, 2015
It's been a year and it still brings tears to contemplate David's passing. The death of a friend issobering. There's no avoiding the word lost, no ignoring the gaping hole that yawns in his wake. But David Karpell will continue to be a living presence in the lives of his family, friends, colleagues, and an entire generation of 4th and 5th-grade students to whom he gave wise guidance and loving care.
I have a particular fondness for people who offer considered opinions without resorting to clichés and knee-jerk responses. Clarity, Intellect, Heart, Integrity, Humorthese begin a long list of the trademarks that made Dave important and dear to me.
He was truly a life-changer for so many who knew him. My heartfelt condolences go out to them all. Rest in Peace, dear Dave. God Bless.
Maralyn Dossey Jabour's photo.
barbara ottaway
October 9, 2015
Kate I am so sad for your lost he is my age way to young
Thanksgiving at the Karpell's
Staci Swedeen
February 2, 2015
David and I crossed paths many years ago in an acting class in NYC. Our friendship continued and deepened as he married, had his two beautiful daughters, and became a teacher. So many holidays spent together, so many wonderful times we shared. David, you are always in my heart.
David, Stephanie, Carolee, and Bailey at Lake Muskoday with Chris and Staci
Staci Swedeen
February 1, 2015
David loving company and feeding his guests
Staci Swedeen
February 1, 2015
David was threaded through my life - and enriched my life - in so many ways: as a friend, actor, musician, husband to Stephanie and father to Katherine and Carolee. He is always in my heart. Blessed to have crossed paths all those years ago.
Cheryl Hajjar
January 30, 2015
David, a man with so much love for his wife, his girls and his dog, had a heart so big. I will always seeing him sitting in the chair on his porch playing ball with Bailey and smoking a cigar. Ogden Place misses him so.
Claire Troy
January 29, 2015
Dave came to R. J. Bailey School shortly after I started working there. We hit it off right away with laughter and jokes. He always knew how to make you laugh even when you were feeling down. Somewhere around 1999 we both got cream colored cockapoos which we both happened to name Bailey. We always shared dog pictures and even though our dogs could have passed for twins, we always joked who had the most handsome cockapoo. I'll always cherish and miss the times we had together.
Rick Abandond
January 28, 2015
Can comfort come from sadness? I think as Steph reads through these messages to/for David, she will, indeed, find comfort.
Jessica Mastrangelo
December 10, 2014
Dave was my colleague and friend for over 20 years. Besides being a gifted educator, he was one of the nicest and most interesting individuals I have known. He lived a full and interesting life and always had great stories to tell at lunch time about his experiences. He spoke of his family with such pride and love that you couldn't help but smile. Every student he taught is richer for having learned from him. He is deeply missed.
November 30, 2014
My dearest friend and spiritual brother.
So many people that your spirit and soul have touched will miss you.
You will always be remembered .....
John, London
Miriam Bernabei
November 24, 2014
I met Dave at the R J Bailey School where he worked as a 5th grade teacher. I was the Director of Arts and he was always a huge supporter of all things arts!! One of my fondest memories was watching his classes perform at the annual Shakespeare festivals at Purchase College. He was taken from us to soon! Condolences to his wife and daughters!
Jennifer Douglas
November 16, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Karpell when my daughter was a student of his at RJB around 1999-2000. He was full of life, passionate and engaging. Not only was he a wonderful teacher, he treated his students so respectfully and got to know each one individually. I will always be grateful and feel lucky that my daughter had him. He invited some of us mothers to see his wife in her one woman show in NYC. He was so proud of his family. Thank you for sharing him with us and our children. We truly lost a gem. may you find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Jennifer, Mark and Leigh Douglas
Jen
November 14, 2014
Dave was such a lovely, sweet, funny man and I have great memories of spending time with him and Steph at the marina in London, where I met them through John Moraitis. Dave made a mean Manhattan and danced with Steph like they were on a good first date but had known each other a lifetime. So pleased that I got to be part of their 30th wedding anniversary celebrations in London last year and to hear some great stories from their life together. Dave was a wonderful person who will be missed on both sides of the Atlantic. Lots of love to Steph and their girls, who Dave always spoke of so proudly. I'm so sorry for your loss. Lots of love, Jen xxx
Theresa Breen
November 9, 2014
Dave, my colleague and beloved friend, and at times a fatherly figure. We last spoke over the summer when you called after my dad passed in late June to check up on me. Who knew you'd be meeting him soon after. You two proud dads watch over us. I'll always recall jokes only you and I would understand and will miss you much. Love you "Mida Kapell"!
Marianne Z.
November 9, 2014
"To Everything There Is A Season..."
I remember when the Karpell Family moved next door to me in Dobbs Ferry. David and Stephanie were a special couple, along with their two little girls and their Aunt Hope who somehow always was mentioned. Soon after, they put down roots in the community, yet always kept up with those they left behind. I felt lucky to have met them and most of all will never forget David and how down-to-earth, calm and
intelligent he was. I am sorry I did not get to see any of his acting skills which I heard were excellent. God bless Stephanie and Katherine and Carolee (Bailey too) and the rest of his family. He will be sorely missed by a lot of remarkable people.
Francis Gercke
November 9, 2014
My earliest memory of my Uncle David was Christmas 1983. I was a typically awkward teenager – uncertain and insecure and definitely not a conversationalist. I simply remember David sitting with me on the living room couch, Christmas tree lights blinking behind him, as he asked me about my favorite music, movies, sports teams, school subjects, and on and on. I obviously cannot recall everything that was said nor do I wish to admit to my musical tastes at the age of 13, but I clearly remember David gently steering me toward the likes Bruce Springsteen and Bob Marley.
In the summer of 1987, my sister and I travelled to New York City to visit David and Stephanie. It was a whirlwind tour of the city with our uncle and aunt and even included a backstage visit of the production Burn This. But undoubtedly the most lasting recollection of that trip was the dinner prepared by David that redefined the word “spicy” for both my sister and me. As Springsteen's Greetings from Asbury Park played on vinyl in the background, Stephanie and David chowed down with carefree abandon. I, however, could feel every possible form of fluid begin to gush from my brow and nose. Sweat pooled around my wrists. A quick glance at my sister – visual confirmation of everything I could feel going on with me. The evening was capped off by David and Stephanie driving us uptown, downtown, east, and west so that we could spy the late night street culture of The Big Apple.
Earlier this year, David and Stephanie visited my family in San Diego. On several nights, just before dinner (that he generously prepared), he'd pick up my woefully neglected guitar, tune it up, and serenade the house.
That's what I will miss and the legacy of David's to carry into the future – his ability to fully enjoy the simple pleasures of this life. Family and friends, music and food, humor and playfulness.
He will be missed and will be remembered.
Catherine Willmore
November 5, 2014
When I first met David through John (Moraitis) several summers ago, I felt an immediate and strong sense of kinship. Since then I always looked forward to the annual visits of Dave and Steph. Spending time with such open-hearted, generous, wise and funny people was a joy. I was particularly delighted that you shared my birthday celebrations with me last year.
I cannot imagine how much David will be missed by all the people who he touched with his beautiful soul.
Steph, my love is coming across the sea to you and your beautiful daughters.
Much, much love from your devoted London friend Cathxxxxx
November 2, 2014
Condolences to the Karpell family.
May the love of family and friends sustain you during this difficult time.
John 5: 29
October 26, 2014
We will always miss him and never forget him.
With profound love and sympathy to your family,
The Fabian/Epstein family
October 26, 2014
A story Stephanie shared years ago
David was trying out a career in teaching. His first assignment was substituting in a special ed class, somewhere in the city. It was time for recess. A young boy hung back from the line, fiddling with his jacket, unable to hook the zipper together. David made him a promise. He would teach him to zipper his jacket so that by the end of the week, he would be able to do it himself. That's how I remember David. Someone who led with conviction and compassion. May God bless the world with another such being.
Cheryl Gushee
Michael K
October 26, 2014
Celebrating a life well lived, may your memories shared together continue to comfort and sustain you, along with the hope from the creator to do away with pain and suffering shortly, and make all things new.
October 26, 2014
Beautiful words for a beautiful man ...
May he rest in peace.
With love,
Miriam Hipsh
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