Stories and memories shared by those who knew David.
Memories from those who knew David.
From Mike Adams, Friend / Roomate
I’ve had some of the best times of my life with DFlip. To this day, the best roommate I ever had. No one had bigger ideas, bigger dreams, or a bigger heart. He was always everyone’s favorite the second he walked into a room. Life was just more fun with him in it. You are missed DFlip… a do doo.
From Matt Hynick, Friend
David and I met as part of the freshman baseball recruiting class at UCSB, and bonded quickly over the game and everything that comes with that first year of college. David was an incredible raw athlete and had one of the best arms I'd ever seen. His talent was undeniable. He was a lot younger than the rest of our freshman class but was just on another level, so much better than everyone around him. When he hurt his arm one offseason, he started throwing lefty and I'm pretty sure he hit 85 mph. Truly unreal. It's a real shame he didn't get more of a chance to pitch, because what he had was something else. One of those guys you watched and just knew he was different.
As good as he was in baseball and every other sport he tried, he was an even better person. The life of the party but somehow still humble and down to earth. He could engage with anyone about anything, and had a magnetic energy that's hard to describe unless you were around it. He was just the best dude, the kind of person you always wanted in your corner. Super smart, sharp on his feet, and could excel at anything he put his mind to. I remember he had one of the highest grades in Econ 101 and could answer the hardest questions live in front of the full auditorium, completely on the fly.
We had so many great memories from those college years. Living in the dorms, early morning workouts, trips to the casino, late night In-N-Out runs, jumping in the ocean on cold gloomy mornings because someone (probably him) thought it was a good idea. He was one of the great ones, and it's terrible he was taken at such a young age. He will be deeply missed. A doo doo doo!
As good as he was in baseball and every other sport he tried, he was an even better person. The life of the party but somehow still humble and down to earth. He could engage with anyone about anything, and had a magnetic energy that's hard to describe unless you were around it. He was just the best dude, the kind of person you always wanted in your corner. Super smart, sharp on his feet, and could excel at anything he put his mind to. I remember he had one of the highest grades in Econ 101 and could answer the hardest questions live in front of the full auditorium, completely on the fly.
We had so many great memories from those college years. Living in the dorms, early morning workouts, trips to the casino, late night In-N-Out runs, jumping in the ocean on cold gloomy mornings because someone (probably him) thought it was a good idea. He was one of the great ones, and it's terrible he was taken at such a young age. He will be deeply missed. A doo doo doo!
From Matt Novak, Long-time Friend
Childhood Memories
I have so many memories from our childhood.
I remember summer Monopoly games at Jordan's house when we were around 10 or 11 years old. We all learned how to wheel and deal and each thought we were destined to become real estate moguls one day.
Around ages 11 and 12, we spent summers at Tijeras Creek Golf Club, where David became really good. Then came roller hockey during our early teen years. David had the awesome Ed Belfour goalie mask and gear, and I can still hear everyone yelling, "Flip across!" We all had nicknames back then. David was "Fetus Flip," while his older brother Mike was "Big Flip."
Super Bowls, Ducks games, and poker nights with the Filipiaks were always a fun time. I still remember that 7-27 was always David's favorite poker game.
Baseball was a huge part of those years too. David was throwing 65 mph at only 11 years old. I remember him striking me out one game, but I managed to get a hit off him my next at-bat. It took all my willpower just to stay in the box against his fastball.
One of my favorite memories, though, was when Jordan somehow struck David out in Little League when we were around 12. Jordan had no idea how to pitch and lobbed it like a granny. David got a little overzealous and swung for the fences on every pitch, but couldn’t connect on a single one. We were still laughing about that one nearly 30 years later.
We also loved collecting hockey cards, once again trying our luck at wheeling and dealing. There were sleepovers, including the unforgettable time Jordan got so mad after David accidentally locked him in a storage chest that he threw a fan across the room. Naturally, the fan exploded into pieces, and Jordan was "grounded for life."
Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and Jim Carrey references were basically part of everyday life. David loved doing those impressions.
As we got older, I watched David become incredibly dedicated to both baseball and school. He earned scholarships from many colleges and universities, and I was proud of him.
These are just a few of the many great memories I have of growing up with David.
I remember summer Monopoly games at Jordan's house when we were around 10 or 11 years old. We all learned how to wheel and deal and each thought we were destined to become real estate moguls one day.
Around ages 11 and 12, we spent summers at Tijeras Creek Golf Club, where David became really good. Then came roller hockey during our early teen years. David had the awesome Ed Belfour goalie mask and gear, and I can still hear everyone yelling, "Flip across!" We all had nicknames back then. David was "Fetus Flip," while his older brother Mike was "Big Flip."
Super Bowls, Ducks games, and poker nights with the Filipiaks were always a fun time. I still remember that 7-27 was always David's favorite poker game.
Baseball was a huge part of those years too. David was throwing 65 mph at only 11 years old. I remember him striking me out one game, but I managed to get a hit off him my next at-bat. It took all my willpower just to stay in the box against his fastball.
One of my favorite memories, though, was when Jordan somehow struck David out in Little League when we were around 12. Jordan had no idea how to pitch and lobbed it like a granny. David got a little overzealous and swung for the fences on every pitch, but couldn’t connect on a single one. We were still laughing about that one nearly 30 years later.
We also loved collecting hockey cards, once again trying our luck at wheeling and dealing. There were sleepovers, including the unforgettable time Jordan got so mad after David accidentally locked him in a storage chest that he threw a fan across the room. Naturally, the fan exploded into pieces, and Jordan was "grounded for life."
Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and Jim Carrey references were basically part of everyday life. David loved doing those impressions.
As we got older, I watched David become incredibly dedicated to both baseball and school. He earned scholarships from many colleges and universities, and I was proud of him.
These are just a few of the many great memories I have of growing up with David.
From Evan Gunderman, Childhood Friend
1998 Laguna Hills All-stars
I had the privilege of playing on the 1998 Laguna Hills Little League All-star team with David. I love baseball as much as he did and I have many great memories, but that summer was the most fun I ever had playing the game! David was our Ace pitcher and our biggest power hitter. He came up big for us on more than one occasion and was easily the team MVP! All of us contributed at least one big moment in the tournament, but David could do it on the mound or at the plate! That team went further than any other All-star team in Laguna Hills history up to that point and we definitely couldn't have done it without him! Thanks for the happy memories, my friend! MVP! MVP! MVP!
From Lauren Sherrell, Former Classmate
David and I had several classes together at LHHS. He was the kind of person who was impossible to forget in high school—a rare combination of intelligence, authenticity, and kindness. It was easy to see why people gravitated toward him. He had a natural charm, a nonjudgmental presence beyond his years, and, of course, who could forget that he was such a cutie?!
I’m glad to see he was able to live life to the fullest in the years that followed, even though it makes this loss all the more tragic and bittersweet. I’d like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing David.
I’m glad to see he was able to live life to the fullest in the years that followed, even though it makes this loss all the more tragic and bittersweet. I’d like to extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing David.
From Lucas Novak, Childhood Friend
Dear Mike, I was deeply saddened to hear about David’s passing. It’s one of those things that words can’t really describe.
Some of my earliest and best memories growing up were those days out in the street playing roller hockey, and you and David were always part of them. Even though he was younger than the rest of us, he fit right in. He was athletic, competitive, fast, and coordinated. But he was also this goofy pre-teen with oversized feet. What I remember just as much as anything was how he carried himself around all the older kids. He could take jokes, and then he was just as quick to fire them back. There was always laughter when David was around.
Even in the middle of the games there would be jokes. I can still picture him skating along the outside with the ball, looking for the centering pass and yelling to his teammates, “Get in the zone! AutoZone!”
As the years went on, I realized one day that he had surpassed all of us athletically. And somewhere along the way, that goofy kid brother of yours had turned into a genuinely handsome man. Even so, he still had that personality everyone loved being around, that sense of humor, slightly wild energy, and a kind of contagious confidence that made everything more alive and memorable.
It’s hard to put into words how strange and unfair it feels that someone so full of life could be gone this young. David left a real impression on the people who grew up with him, and I know many of us will carry those memories with us for the rest of our lives.
Please give my condolences to your whole family. I’m thinking about all of you during this incredibly difficult time.
Some of my earliest and best memories growing up were those days out in the street playing roller hockey, and you and David were always part of them. Even though he was younger than the rest of us, he fit right in. He was athletic, competitive, fast, and coordinated. But he was also this goofy pre-teen with oversized feet. What I remember just as much as anything was how he carried himself around all the older kids. He could take jokes, and then he was just as quick to fire them back. There was always laughter when David was around.
Even in the middle of the games there would be jokes. I can still picture him skating along the outside with the ball, looking for the centering pass and yelling to his teammates, “Get in the zone! AutoZone!”
As the years went on, I realized one day that he had surpassed all of us athletically. And somewhere along the way, that goofy kid brother of yours had turned into a genuinely handsome man. Even so, he still had that personality everyone loved being around, that sense of humor, slightly wild energy, and a kind of contagious confidence that made everything more alive and memorable.
It’s hard to put into words how strange and unfair it feels that someone so full of life could be gone this young. David left a real impression on the people who grew up with him, and I know many of us will carry those memories with us for the rest of our lives.
Please give my condolences to your whole family. I’m thinking about all of you during this incredibly difficult time.
From Matt Novak, Long-time Friend
Dave was one of my closest friends from childhood and one of the few friends and family that attended my wedding in Vegas on short notice, just before residency in Florida. It was difficult to watch him go through immunotherapy and radiation. Still, he inspired me. For the times we hung out, you wouldn't even know he was battling melanoma. Even though he lost the ability to speak for weeks, or ability to walk after radiation treatment, he worked to regain function. He stayed positive and never let it get to him. He seemed to defy all odds. He was a warrior. He kayaked, rode the stationary bike every day and kept in amazing shape. In 2025, David, Jeff, Mike, and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean. It's one that I'll never forget.
From Doug Calcaterra, Neighbor and Friend
STRAWBERRY FIELDS FOREVER
A couple of summers ago I was working in my garden when I saw David and Michael going for a walk in the neighborhood. I waved the boys over as I wanted to show off how well my strawberries were doing. David’s smile was on full display when I picked some of the strawberries for the guys to sample. David was so excited as he explained to Michael and me how important it was to eat fresh food like this. Before they continued with their walk, I gave them a container of strawberries to take with them. I will always remember David’s enthusiasm and sincere joy with his strawberries in hand.
David thought he was the one that scored that day but honestly, it was I who really did. David had a way with him that always made you feel good about yourself and on that day he once again succeeded.
David thought he was the one that scored that day but honestly, it was I who really did. David had a way with him that always made you feel good about yourself and on that day he once again succeeded.
From Brian Edwards, Close Friend & Former Client Relations Rep
David and I first met in 2013 when I cast him as one of the models for my book cover shoot. We immediately became fast friends and had so many good times over the years. He was so smart, athletic, handsome and always fun to be around. Never a dull moment. This just doesn’t seem real. Rest peacefully David - I will miss you my friend. ❤️
From Katie Carruth, Friend
I have known David since kindergarten and he will always be special to me. He was hilarious, open hearted, and extremely generous. He had a unique vulnerability that made him impossible not to love. I hold on to a great many dear memories over the years growing up with David. I wish I could have told him how much his West Coast family treasured him before he passed away. We love you David.
We would love to collect the stories, photos, and moments shared by the people who knew David.
Whether it is a favorite memory, a funny story, a message to his family, or a photo that captures who David was, we invite you to share it here.
Submissions will be reviewed by David's brother before appearing on the site.
You may also email memories to rememberdavid85@gmail.com.
We would love to collect the stories, photos, and moments shared by the people who knew David.
Whether it is a favorite memory, a funny story, a message to his family, or a photo that captures who David was, we invite you to share it here.
Submissions will be reviewed by David's brother before appearing on the site.
You may also email memories to rememberdavid85@gmail.com.