David Donald Nestler

Born on November 1, 1950, in Germantown, PA, David Donald Nestler, 71, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 8, at his residence in Trooper. He was holding the hand of Patti, his beloved wife of almost 47 years. They had known each other since their seventh-grade classes together at Haverford High School, where David won numerous awards. He was admitted early decision to MIT after applying to only that one school, and he received his MS in Computer and Information Science from the University of Pennsylvania. He worked as a software engineer in the aerospace industry for companies such as Analytics, GE, Martin Marietta, Burroughs, Unisys, and Lockheed Martin. And he developed an award-winning, custom-designed program that helped run his division for over 20 years. Upon graduation from MIT, he rode his bike alone from Boston to the Rockies and continued to ride some 100 miles a day when he returned. However, he contracted biliary duct cancer in 1994 and underwent the high-mortality Whipple Procedure, followed by five weeks of radiation and an elective round of chemo. Yet, at just 44 years old, he managed not only to beat the high odds against his survival, but to achieve a normal life and diet for decades. He was a spirited fighter. 29 years later, when the same cancer came for him again, along with several other simultaneous, life-threatening conditions, he fought them off for over a year, exhibiting again the remarkable courage and mind over matter that typified his life. Though legally blind, unable to hear out of one ear, and hampered by other conditions such as diabetes and Meniere’s Disease, he was a perpetual optimist and never let these challenges stop him. All who knew him admired his courage, kindness, humor, and brilliance, often referring to him as a gentleman. In fact, one of his favorite films described him perfectly when it said of the protagonist, "A man like him is very rare." David was the oldest son of the late Helen Burgen and late Donald Eugene Nestler. A specialist in heat transfer issues of re-entry vehicles, his dad published dozens of papers and lectured internationally. David modeled himself after his father in his devotion to his wife, choice of career, and love of playing chess, basketball, and ping pong. And like his dad, he handled even the worst that happened with logic and optimism. He also was an accomplished musician on both piano and clarinet and was selected to perform in the Pennsylvania State Orchestra. He enjoyed tremendously playing blackjack and the market and listening to the news. And he loved the large family that survived him: six siblings (Grace Bergen, Susan Nestler, Dan Nestler, Kathy Halberstadt, Doug Nestler, and Dale Nestler) and their spouses, their 13 children and their spouses, and their 7 grandchildren. He will be dearly missed. Although there will be no service, the family welcomes posted comments on the Tribute Wall. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may also be sent to The Boston Foundation for Sight, 464 Hillside Avenue, Suite 205, Needham, MA 02494, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 896, Hershey, PA 17033-0896.