David Paul Struewing

David Paul Struewing of Takoma Park, MD and Cave Junction, OR died suddenly on August 16, 2017 at age 24. David was loved by virtually everyone who ever met him. In a very disarming and almost charming way he could win you over with his smile and warm personality. He was compassionate about social issues and did not shy away from debate on a wide range of important topics. He was born and raised in Takoma Park, MD and excelled in the Waldorf educational environment through 8th grade. He graduated from the Communication Arts Program of Montgomery Blair High School and was a computer science major at Temple University where his programming final exams were judged to be “works of art”. David was a complex, multi-talented person who mastered almost anything he set out to do, including artistic pursuits, piano, videography, and circus arts like trapeze. He began early and matured greatly in acting with Lumina Studio Theater where he had many leading roles. He was a tinkerer who loved new challenges, everything from keeping a cell phone or laptop going for years to auto repair. His Halloween and Christmas light displays were legendary in the neighborhood. David had a great sense of humor and his laugh was like a hug. David was a true friend to so many people and you were lucky if you were one of them.

David worked throughout high school, college, and beyond, including at numerous restaurants where owners would routinely come out to meet his family to say how wonderful a worker and person he was. Most recently he worked as an EMT in Oregon, which seemed to really suit him. Just before his death he was excited to relay his plans to continue working as an EMT, complete his computer science degree, and then apply this experience and knowledge to improving the emergency services system. In Oregon, one of his favorite activities was swimming in the crystal-clear mountain rivers. It was while swimming at a favorite spot that he developed a seizure and was unable to be resuscitated, despite heroic efforts from his friend, Rachel and a helicopter evacuation. David is survived by his sister Eleanor Struewing, his parents Paula Wolyniec and Jeff Struewing, his nana Amelia (Dolly) Wolyniec of Takoma Park, MD, his grandma and grandpa Sylvia Jean Struewing and Herman (Ham) Struewing of Batesville, IN, numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, and of course, many friends who loved him dearly. A memorial service will be held in the fall.

“…leave to your opinions their own quiet undisturbed development, which, like all progress, must come from deep within and cannot be pressed or hurried by anything….”Rainer Maria Rilke