David James Mullen

David James Mullen March 17, 2004 – November 29, 2022

David was born on a bright beautiful St. Patrick's day in the City of Angels. We could see the Hollywood Hills from our hospital room. From the very beginning, he was a lovely balance of confidence and sensitivity, engaging but also deeply private. David was always his true self, his body grew, but his being was there from the very beginning, fully emerged. His first teacher told us once - “You know, you get a real person when you have a child, not a blank slate.” David was a real person. David was beautiful.

Here are some details about David. He was tall and very strong. He had big brown eyes, wild thick hair and an easy smile. He was an exceptional cat lover, and when he passed people walking, he would smile and give them the peace sign.

David liked to talk - a lot. Hyperbole was one of his favorite verbal tools. At times, everything was extreme. He liked big ideas, history, politics and the complexities of a good villain. He had a strong sense of justice and often ranted about problems larger than him and larger than us.

David was a gamer and a consumer of pop culture. He loved all things aesthetic – red robes, tennis shoes, sunglasses, art, and food. He was proud of his cooking skills. He would share recipes, post pictures of his creations, and could not walk past a pot without insisting on a sample.

David loved shared experiences whether it was an annual family trip to Vallecito or Marfa, or a party with friends. He had a free and lovely way of dancing. He played music all the time and floated through the house. He expressed his love daily, and was a fierce, loyal and even best friend to everyone in his family. He always said good night to his sister and never turned down a hug, and his hugs were big.

David was this and we know even more. Our thoughts and memories are expansive beyond our 18 years with him. Where do you start and where do you end? His passing has left a deep void in our hearts, our family, and our community. David was a real person. David was beautiful.

Donations may be made in honor of David

to the Friends of the Montessori Foundation,

Montessori of the Rio Grande, 1650 Gabaldon

Dr. NW, 87104.