Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
David Cates Obituary
August 29, 1958 - November 30, 2020
David Cadwallader Cates, aged 62, passed away suddenly on Monday, November 30, 2020 in Oakland California from a pulmonary embolism.
David grew up in New York City, attending Buckley School in Manhattan, and later St. Paul's School in New Hampshire. From there he went to the University of Chicago, graduating in 1980. While his profession was finance, at Towers Perrin and Kaiser Permanente, his passion was music. After taking piano lessons as a child, David learned to play the organ while at St. Paul's. He continued to play the piano, and eventually embraced the harpsichord.
An accomplished musician, with a passion for early music, he performed in concerts around the country and released several recordings of harpsichord works of Bach and Froberger, recorded on harpsichords from his extensive collection. David was an enthusiastic patron of the Piccola Accademia di Montisi, a prominent international center for the study for the harpsichord, its repertoire and its history.
A gourmet cook, David was well known for his innovative feasts. He found the most enjoyment in cooking for friends and family, with a passion for Thai food.
David was a devoted father to his two daughters, who were inspired by his artistic passion and culinary enthusiasm.
He is survived by his mother, Eleanor, daughters Melanie and Sophia, and siblings Gwendolen, Eli, Marjorie and Lilian. His father, David Cadwallader Cates Sr., passed away in 2015. He will be missed by his partner Deanne and her daughters Hanna and Ava, as well countless friends whose lives he touched during his life.
If you would like to honor David's life, please consider a tax deductible donation to the Piccola Accademia via www.piccolaaccademia.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Cates
Edward Meil
February 10, 2025
I just found out about David´s passing away after randomly googling his name. I was David´s roommate in 1977-78 at the Sherry Apts in Hyde Park while we were both attending the University of Chicago. We had a mutual friend, Andy Budwig, another music major. Easley Blackwood, composer, performer, professor also had an apartment in the building, and I met him through David. David introduced me to Thai cooking, hoisin sauce and coconut milk etc. I recall he had his piano shipped from New York, it had to be hoisted up the exterior of the building. Once he ate a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs that I had left in the fridge for my frugal repast. In anger I broke a new LP that he had just purchased. Of course he had exquisite taste in music, I learned a lot from hearing his musical choices. David had a big personality, my mental picture is him laughing and enjoying himself. A world of talent, a memorable person that I am happy to have encountered. May he rest in peace.
LELUAN
May 18, 2024
great artist surely...thank you for marvellous interpretations of BACH
Deanne
January 1, 2021
You opened my heart in ways I didn't think were possible. I love you so much my lil guy.
Tamara Jurson
December 16, 2020
I miss you, David. I'm grateful to have had you as my friend. Your passions for food and wine and music will continue to be an inspiration!
Marlene Schmidt
December 16, 2020
We were at U Chicago together and he introduced me to appreciation of good wine and great food. His enthusiasm for music was contagious! I am in shock. My prayers go out to his loved ones!
Peter Watchorn
December 16, 2020
David was a friend and much-valued member of the international harpsichord community; a gifted performer, passionate collector of instruments and a generous patron. We met a few times and I was always moved by his enthusiasm and his generosity of spirit. My condolences go to all his family and friends. Vale David!
Brian Dunn
December 15, 2020
What a terrible loss. I have known David for many years and followed his career from consultant to executive to one of the world’s premier harpsichordist. He will be missed.
Jess
December 15, 2020
I was blessed to have known David. I remember him as being generous with his kindness, cooking, and music. He will be missed.
Villa Medici -Rome
Deanne Detmers Raskin
December 15, 2020
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Make a Donation
in David Cates's name
Memorial Events
for David Cates
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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor David Cates's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
