David Wayne Gonthier
David Wayne Gonthier, affectionately known as Davo, Dad, Uncle Dave and most importantly as Paw Paw, lived a beautiful life. David was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on December 19, 1958 just shy of Christmas, one of his favorite holidays. Shortly after his birth, he moved to New Orleans where he spent his early years in the Irish Channel living above the family owned, Gonthier’s Pharmacy. As the oldest child to Barbara R. Gonthier, David became a big brother to Paul, Lorraine, and Michele over the course of this first 12 years. Later moving to Terrytown, Louisiana and attending Archbishop Shaw High School (class of 1976), he met his high school sweetheart, Tina Underwood, who would become his wife in the summer of 1979.
Since meeting, Tina and David were inseparable and embarked on many adventures. The adventure of which he drew the most pride was his fatherhood. David was the proud parent of both Kristen M. Roberson and Kari L. Gonthier. As a father, he worked hard in both Louisiana and later Alabama to make sure his girls knew that their dreams were supported; they received a Catholic education; established a deep love for Mardi Gras; and they knew their way around Louisiana sports, especially LSU. As a lover of history and music, he shared those passions with his children taking them to monuments, museums, concerts (rock & roll), musicals and plays. These same things were true when his two grandchildren, Avery N. Baldassaro and Braydon W. Roberson, were born. Every ounce of strength and passion was present to make sure his grandchildren were well traveled, happy, and above all, loved. His heart and soul beat for his family and to quote one of his favorite musicals (as he often did) “The Fiddler on the Roof,” he believed in “Tradition!”
If you were lucky enough to meet David, you likely labeled him as one of the funniest people you have ever met. His humor (colorful at times) will live on. Even on his toughest days, he was able to use laughter to bring comfort to his family and friends. This laughter spoke to a deeper quality, which many express to describe him, and that quality is kindness. That kindness attracted many friends that were considered family. He shared this kindness with family, friends, and also through his work as a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. This organization brought him immense joy in the last few years and helped him to serve the community at large and in particular Catholic Youth Organizations.
Living life to the absolute fullest was a trademark of David’s. He was so blessed to be able to share those adventures with his wife, Tina, and those closest to him. He will live in our hearts forever and serve as a guardian angel to all those he held dear.
David passed away in Alabaster, Alabama on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. He is preceded in death by Lorraine Gonthier (sister). He is survived by his mother: Barbara A. Gonthier, his wife: Tina Gonthier, daughter: Kristen M. Roberson & son-in-law Brandon Roberson, daughter: Kari L. Gonthier & son-in-law David A. Hunt, his grandchildren: Avery N. Baldassaro & Braydon W. Roberson, his siblings: Paul M. Gonthier (Holly Boslet) & Michele G. Hemelt (Christian Hemelt), his best friend: Joseph R. Chivleatto, Jr., as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
Family, friends, and others are invited to celebrate the life of David this Thursday, November 16, 2023 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 5514 Double Oak Lane, Birmingham, Alabama 35242. Viewing will be 9:00AM to 12:00PM with a funeral mass following at 12:00PM. Immediately following mass will be graveside services at Montevallo Cemetery, Co Rd 73, Montevallo, AL 35115.
As an expression of sympathy, flower donations may be sent to the church address listed above. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church High School Youth Group in memory of David Gonthier.
Terribly saddened by the loss of this great man. I’ve known David for about 32 years and was lucky to be his brother-in-law for 10 years. During that time, we attended many LSU games together, took great beach vacations on the Gulf Coast, played in numerous softball leagues and had many great times together during family get-togethers. I always enjoyed being around David and will miss him.
Keeping you and the family lifted up in prayer
May the Lord grant you all His peace, may He comfort and encourage you during your time of bereavement.
We are here for you, should you need us
Tina, Kristen, Kari,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I will truly miss him.
Lenny
Patti and I send our love to the entire family. We can’t be there but you will be in our thoughts and prayers. ❤️
Words cannot express my sorrow at David’s passing. Tina and David have been my friends for close to 50 years. Some of my fondest memories include snagging free Popeyes chicken when David worked there and standing in line for hours waiting for the original Star Wars movie. Recently, he welcomed my daughters to his home as a rest stop. But I’ll miss seeing his excited face on St. Charles as my float rolls by on Saturday morning. Rest easy friend and know you will be loved always and missed deeply.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of meeting and working with David starting in 1981. He was, as described, funny, warm, kind and smart. David started his IT career early, but quickly ascended into various roles, include Leadership roles. Those who worked for and with David, always enjoyed the relationships, as did I. Several people at both McDermott and Ochsner, have asked that I express sentiments and prayers to his family. My daughters in fact, reminded me of the times we met David, Tina and the girls at Endymion, parking many blocks away from the parade route, and David saying ‘Feet don’t fail me now’ to keep us moving and forgetful of the long walk.
David, we had some good times working together, and I am so grateful I played a part in your move to Birmingham, because it is seems you also touched the lives of many people there. I will miss our chats, your warm smile and will look back on the fun times the Ochsner group shared with you on baseball and basketball game trips. I know you are in a good place now and look forward to meeting you in heaven.
Pete
Rest in Peace my friend. Condolences and Best Wishes to your beautiful family. It was a pleasure knowing David. He always had a positive impact on those around him.
Our prayers are with your family. Godspeed, David.
So sorry for your loss
I’ve known David, and his family, since around 1969. David and I lived across the street from each other in Terrytown. He and I went to all three years at Livaudais Middle School and then Shaw High School and eventually graduated together in 1976. We kept in touch mostly thru phone calls, Facebook and HS Reunions after he moved to AL. I will cherish those memories forever. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family. RIP my ole friend.
My heartfelt condolences to David’s entire family. You’ll be in my prayers.
Rest in Peace my friend.
Tell Stevie Ray Vaughn hello for me.
Walter/Todd Schmitt