David Lawrence Mercer died Dec. 9, 2021 after a battle with cancer. He was 60.

He was born on March 29, 1961 in Sausalito, Calif. to Sylvia Celeste Stewart and William (Bill) Mercer. He grew up in New York city. After his freshman year at Bronx High School, David took the initiative to apply to more than 30 private schools. With many acceptances to consider, he chose to attend Milton Academy in Milton.

While at Milton Academy, he played varsity football, basketball and ran track. It was there that he discovered the Grateful Dead and became a great fan of their music. He also developed close lifelong friends at the academy who have journeyed with him throughout his life.

As a voracious reader, David made certain that he knew the meaning of any word he came across. An English professor at Milton asked him the meaning of a word in front of the class. David admitted he did not know. At that moment he promised himself it would never happen again — and it didn’t.

During his teen years, he traveled to Europe on a tour and lived in Jamaica with his brother Scott and their mother Sylvia. Experiences like these lit his passion and love of travel and people.

He attended Duke University, where he immediately engaged in politics and community activism, and worked for independent presidential candidate John Anderson in 1980. Following three years at Duke, David transferred to Principia College and earned his political science degree. He continued working on campaigns, including for Rep. Joe Kennedy and Presidential candidates Michael Dukakis, Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton.

Between campaigns, David worked in television at the Christian Science Monitor and as a Democratic pundit on Fox News. Eventually he transitioned from political fundraising and campaigns to lobbying and consulting through Mercer & Associates.

He held many board positions and guided foreign and domestic political and business leaders through Capitol Hill in efforts that made the world a better place. His passion for politics and life was equal to his love of family and friends.

He beamed with pride about his love and gratitude for his mother Sylvia. As a single mother she gave him endless and unconditional support. He often reflected on his traveling experiences to Europe and Jamaica, but for one special, highly valued summer he lived on Martha’s Vineyard with his brother Scott. Into adulthood, David returned to the Vineyard every year and celebrated the many friendships he made. He was equally comfortable on Capitol Hill and the Inkwell. There are many stories to share and he loved to tell them.

His love for Scott, his “Irish twin brother,” was always more that just a big brother’s love for a younger sibling. It was a love filled with respect, pride, support and generosity. David was proud of Scott’s two sons Jason and Brandon. His best gift to them was his advice as they developed into fine young men.

David was a devoted son, brother, cousin, friend and mentor who leaves many behind to cherish his memory. They include his mother Sylvia, brother Scott, sisters Melissa and Valerie, nephews Jason and Brandon, sister in law Celia Mercer, nieces Marianna Ali and Michelle Underwood, aunts Elisa Stewart and Joan Johnston, and cousins Joan Johnston, Cheryl Willois, Wendy and Heather Johnston, Page and Marc Stewart. He is also survived by many other cousins and friends who affectionately called him Super Dave because he was larger than life to so many.

His life was celebrated on Dec. 9 in Milton. His family would like to thank those who gave an outpouring of love and kindness during this difficult time. A celebration of life to be held in Washington, D.C. is planned for this month.