ForeverMissed
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The family of David Justin Westfall —  a resident of Wooster, Ohio — announces his passing at age 81 on Saturday, May 14th at the VA Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Born in Sistersville, West Virginia in 1941, David Justin Westfall grew up in a small town on the Ohio River. He performed piano by ear as early as the age of 4 and wrote his first piano pieces in his teenage years. He subsequently obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in music composition with coursework in piano from Oberlin College in 1963. David further completed coursework for an additional year studying music composition in Salzburg, Austria. It was there in the romantic scenery of Salzburg that he met the love of his life and beautiful opera singer, Luisa Velasco from Madrid, Spain.

David entered the U.S. Army following his graduation and served as staff arranger for the 7th Army Soldier's Chorus and the 33rd Army Band in Heidelberg, Germany. After his honorable discharge, he earned a Master of Music in theory and composition with an applied minor in piano from West Virginia University in Morgantown in 1972. David concluded his education with three years of doctorate-level graduate coursework at the University of Cincinnati.

After leaving graduate school, David taught music at the University of Akron, was a church organist, a choir director and accompanist, and instructed students in piano while assisting his beloved wife as accompanist for her vocal student recitals. Upon retiring from instructing and performing, David concentrated on writing new pieces. Among his career highlights, David composed two operas, seven symphonies, four sets of rustic dances, eight string quartets, and multiple choral pieces, as well as publishing a book of poetry.

David has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for Music Composition. Today his family endeavors to share his music by publishing, recording and distributing his many musical works. David J. Westfall was preceded in death by his parents, Justin and Wanda Westfall, and is survived by two sisters, Lucinda Nestor and Marilyn Reed, his loving wife Luisa (married to him for 56 years), their son Richard and daughter-in-law Griselda, grandsons Aaron and Justin, two nieces and three nephews, and 4 great nieces and 6 great nephews.

Inspirational messages and personal anecdotes for the family can be posted at david-justin-westfall.forevermissed.com. A memorial service was conducted at East Union Lutheran Church in Wooster, Ohio at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 21st, 2022.

December 29, 2022
December 29, 2022
I just learned about the passing of David Westfall (in May). It is a tremendous loss. He was an extremely talented man with a heart of gold. My thoughts and prayers are with Luisa, Richard, and families, during this Christmas season and moving forward into 2023. All very challenging. God Bless.
Penny Earl
Vocal Student 1991-1993
July 13, 2022
July 13, 2022
We met this wonderful couple in their golden years and were blessed to visit their home, church and attend the political events that Luisa is so fond of. David would always say that she was the activist and he was there to accompany her. I remember his humble and kind demeanor. I am so impressed with all the great achievements and talents that the Lord gave him. A life well lived, truly a remarkable couple. Luisa, sabes que lo vas a ver de nuevo y que nunca estás sola, querida amiga. Bendiciones.
May 19, 2022
May 19, 2022
I am David's sister. We were so fortunate to have great parents. They encouraged us to follow our dreams. David was so great in music and because of them ,David went to college. I remember him practicing and composing all my life.
I am so proud of him and to be his sister. Miss you lots. I hope they needed
A choir director in heaven.
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
Heaven has gained a gem in David. Luisa.... I'm so sorry for your loss and sincerely wish you peace and comfort in the days ahead. What special memories you will always hold in your heart. I always admired you both to share not only your love but also your unique musical talent with each other and your church family at Zion. His kindness was a blessing for all of us. Sending our love and prayers to you and to Richard and his family too. Curtis & Ruth Ann. 
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
David was one of a kind. He was truly my friend and Joes...you didn't wander about David. He was a firm strong man but then he was also like a teddy bear.  I know no one as smart . He not only knew about music but electrical, chemical and all sorts of mechanical things. He just always amazed me. He showed interest in me and lifted me up to think I was able to do things that I felt were impossible. He loved God and this country. He loved to garden and share his harvest. Dave could carry on an interesting conversation with most anyone. He was so intelligent but he NEVER made anyone feel any less then his equal. I will always remember how David would look at me when he tried to sneak a cookie without Louisa seeing him and he had that smirkish grin on his face. I will forever remember the cottage home at Lake Buckhorn. He loved to invite friends there to enjoy his little piece of West Virginia in Ohio. He tried so many times to recite the directions to get to the property and everytime Joe and I would get lost. Oh boy. We had so many plain fun times together. I will miss my friend. I had hope his last opera would have been able to have been performed before he left this world. Thanks Dave for letting me hear several movements.  It is a wonderful patriot piece of work I pray the world will get to hear it some day. Now is the time we need to hear such fine pieces of music. It was an honor to both Joe and I and our whole family to be a friend of Davids. He was truly a man of God . He left a beautiful family with many of the same virtues. R.I.P. 
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
I was a student of both David and Luisa’s many years ago. I have very fond memories and have always adored them. Very sad to see David’s passing. Thinking of Luisa and family during this time. There will never be another like David and he will be very missed.
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
"Dad provided me with great opportunities in life. I am who I am because of his incredible influence. I loved to ask questions and get his advice and perspectives. I loved his positive and cheerful spirit. He was a gentle, caring man as well as friend. I will continue the mission here until it is time to reunite in Heaven, where I look forward to hearing more of your music, Dad. Love, your appreciative son, Richard."
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
"David was a very caring person. He had a big heart and always liked to help people. His music was Heavenly. Our marriage was an adventurous, wonderful 56 years. See you on the other side, David. Love, your adoring wife, Luisa."

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December 29, 2022
December 29, 2022
I just learned about the passing of David Westfall (in May). It is a tremendous loss. He was an extremely talented man with a heart of gold. My thoughts and prayers are with Luisa, Richard, and families, during this Christmas season and moving forward into 2023. All very challenging. God Bless.
Penny Earl
Vocal Student 1991-1993
July 13, 2022
July 13, 2022
We met this wonderful couple in their golden years and were blessed to visit their home, church and attend the political events that Luisa is so fond of. David would always say that she was the activist and he was there to accompany her. I remember his humble and kind demeanor. I am so impressed with all the great achievements and talents that the Lord gave him. A life well lived, truly a remarkable couple. Luisa, sabes que lo vas a ver de nuevo y que nunca estás sola, querida amiga. Bendiciones.
May 19, 2022
May 19, 2022
I am David's sister. We were so fortunate to have great parents. They encouraged us to follow our dreams. David was so great in music and because of them ,David went to college. I remember him practicing and composing all my life.
I am so proud of him and to be his sister. Miss you lots. I hope they needed
A choir director in heaven.
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Mr westfall.

May 18, 2022
You were my music teacher in church when I was a kid. You were always so happy to see me and my twin brother. You always taught me a lot. Thank you for those memories.

Rest easy. 
Megan Sheppard

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