David Jablonsky Obituary

Col. (Ret) David Jablonsky of Carlisle, PA. died on January 9, 2025. He was born on July 2, 1938 in the Panama Canal Zone to the late Maj. Gen. Harvey and Dorothy Jablonsky. His grandfather, Maj. Gen. Sanderford Jarman, was a long-time resident of the Washington, DC area.
David graduated from Sidwell Friends and Dartmouth College, earned an M.A. in international relations from Boston University, and an M.A. and Ph.D. in history from the University of Kansas. His military education includes the U.S. Army Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College.
David served throughout the United States and had multiple tours in Europe and Vietnam. Awards and decorations included the Silver Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Ranger Tab, and Parachutist Badge.
He also served as an army and civilian professor in the Department of National Security and Strategy at the U.S. Army War College. During his tenure, he held three academic chairs and wrote numerous books, articles, and monographs.
David is survived by his devoted wife, Wiebke; a beloved daughter, Kyra (husband David Mangini); granddaughter Zoie of San Francisco; and numerous nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his siblings: Jean Rickard (late husband, Eddie), Lea Uhre (husband Curt), Alice Jablonsky (husband Bill), and his brother James Tully (wife Rhonda).
A memorial service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on a date and time to be determined.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 26, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for David Jablonsky

11 Entries

John Nix

June 26, 2025

The last goodbye´s the hardest one to say-
John and Monika

Lt Gen Dr Mohan Bhandari

June 26, 2025

Col David Jablonsky was my Guru in Seminar 12 at USAWC Carlisle Barracks while I attended Class of 1997.
A genius & an excellent human being.We went along very well.Always ready to help he was a cut above the rest.
His wife Wiebke -a great host looked after us at their wonderful home at Carlisle.
RIP David.
You will be long remembered.

John and Monika Nix

March 17, 2025

David was a wonderful, truly charismatic individual. We had great times together in Berlin before, during and after the Wall. He was a true friend and the center of every gathering. So many memories! We owe him so very much!! John and Monika Nix

John and Monika Nix

March 17, 2025

Dave was more than a friend- he was a blood brother. The life we shared together shaped everything that came after. We owe him so very much. Indescribable. We shall overcome, Dave. RIP.

Sharon Freeland Harris

February 1, 2025

Love you all soooooo much!!! I miss our Dad Jablonsky!!!!

John Peabody

January 27, 2025

Dr. Jablonsky was one of my professors (negotiation) at the Army War College. I was just reading something he wrote, and decided to look him up and was disheartened to see this obituary. He left an immensely positive impact on many military officers, condolences to his family.

Lt Gen Dr Mohan Bhandari

January 26, 2025

Col David was our Professor at USAWC Carlisle Barracks.He was Seminar 12 Directing Staff & I had the distinction of being one of his students.
A Professor who had great grasp of geo-strategic & geo-political imperatives of the entire world.Last word on strategy.
An extremely friendly person who was highly affectionate & accommodating.I recall with nostalgia our long sessions of discussions on matters of world strategy with particular reference to South Asia.
He was a great Guide who put me on right lines for my research work.
His home was open to my family during my stay at Carlisle.
Simply beyond compare, he will be long missed.
May God bestow courage,fortitude & strength to his family to bear the irreparable loss & may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Phil Thompson

January 26, 2025

David had the greatest impact on students of any faculty member I was honored to associate with at the War College. He was authentic, widely read, dedicated to excellence and set the standard for dignity. A true prince of a man.

Bob Frank

January 26, 2025

Dave was one of the best instructors on the Command and General Staff College faculty in the 1970s. Bright, serious but with a good sense of humor, he was always popular with his students and other faculty members. I was both a student with Dave, followed by being a colleague. It was always fun to interact with him, and illuminating as well.

Catherine Cutler

January 26, 2025

I am so sorry Wiebke and family. I will always remember him as my Instructor at the War College - an excellent orator and writer. I was humbled when he called me in and told me I had written the worst paper he had seen me turn in for an assignment. He knew I could do better and I got the chance for that very humbling re-do. A lesson that has stayed with me forever. On behalf of my father, COL Ron Roberge, a fellow Colonel, and my mother, Scotty Roberge, please keep his memories Green. He was my champion.

Lori Martin

January 25, 2025

I am so, so sorry to learn of your loss of David. I am so honored to have known him and walked with him through his journey when he was coming in to see Dr. Sachelarie. I enjoyed his visits and our conversations so much. I was so happy to have run into him a few years ago and have thought of him often and wondered how he has been. David was one of the most amazing people I have ever met in my life and such a kind, gentle man. I know he will be missed greatly. I have missed seeing him and talking with him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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