David Fermin Gallegos

David Gallegos
1965 – 2018

David Gallegos, age 53, of New Orleans, LA, passed away on November 14, 2018. He was born to Johnny Gallegos and Onofre Molina. He will be remembered as a loving family member, a devoted friend, and a disability rights advocate. He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Clifford Gallegos and Johnny Jr. (Snoopy) Gallegos. David is survived by his three siblings, Florence Gallegos, Arnold Gallegos, and Darlene Rodriguez; as well as many nieces and nephews.

David was born in New Mexico. After his parents died at the age of 5, he was raised by his sister Florence. Together, they moved to New Orleans, Louisiana when David was 15 years old. In high school, David played the trumpet and was involved in the marching band. David then attended the University of New Orleans.

David had a passion for serving others. He served as a Program Director at the Advocacy Center of Louisiana, where he fought tirelessly for the human rights of people living with disabilities so that they could lead more independent and fulfilled lives. At the time he passed away, David was serving as a Board Member of the Language Access Coalition, an organization that promotes full and meaningful participation in public life, without barriers based on language. He was also serving as a Board Member of the Louisiana Association Promoting Employment First, the Client Assistance Program (CAP) Director for the Louisiana Rehabilitation Council, and a member of the Latino Forum Committee and Governor’s task force. David previously served as a Board Member of Puentes New Orleans, an organization dedicated to overcoming economic, racial, and cultural divides. He also served as Past Vice President of the Brain Injury Alliance of Louisiana, Board Member of the Greater New Orleans Disaster Recovery Partnership Executive Committee, and Facilitator for Work Pays, a collaborative initiative between over 20 organizations aimed at improved services and supports vital to enhancing employment opportunities and maintaining employment for people with disabilities. Finally, David traveled extensively around the state of Louisiana and nationally educating others about the vocational rights of individuals with disabilities.

David’s efforts in advocating for others were widely appreciated and recognized. David received the Advocacy Center Tom Bellanger Award in 2008, an award given by the Advocacy Center for an employee who excels in job performance, positive attitude, willingness to help, and dedication. In 2013, David received the National Football League (NFL) and Hispanic Heritage Foundation’s (HHF) Leadership Award for his impact and contributions to the New Orleans community.

David loved his friends and family deeply. Despite his amazing commitment and passion for his work, he was even more passionate about those whom he loved. David demonstrated his love through unconditional giving, fierce loyalty, respect, and by always being “there.” David was an avid thrift shopper, loved Mardi Gras and Halloween, and loved his garden.


A Memorial Service will be held for David on Saturday, November 17 in New Orleans, LA at Tharp Sontheimer Funeral Home.

12 pm  Visitation with family and friends
1 pm    Informal eulogies
2 pm    Memorial ceremony
Tharp Funeral Home
1600 North Causeway Blvd
Metairie, LA 70001

3 pm    Reception
Advocacy Center of Louisiana
8325 Oak Street
New Orleans, LA 70118


 

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