[Note: The incorrect link for the Universal Design Workplace Challenge was sent in our July newsletter. Our apologies for this error.]

The Starkloff Disability Institute remembers with deep gratitude and affection David A. Blanton III, a former board member and treasured member of our community, who passed away on May 13, 2025. David brought warmth, wisdom, and extraordinary generosity to every space he entered. His belief in the dignity and potential of people with disabilities made him a powerful advocate and cherished ally in our work.

David’s kindness was matched by his remarkable intellect and impeccable taste. A graduate of Georgetown University and a seasoned professional in finance and public relations, he brought both strategic insight and personal compassion to his service on our board. He supported not only Starkloff but countless other cultural and charitable organizations that make St. Louis a vibrant and inclusive place to live. From the Symphony and the Repertory Theatre to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, his generosity left an indelible mark on our city.

David lived a rich and adventurous life. He enjoyed traveling, sailing, and skiing with the same spirit he brought to philanthropy: open, curious, and joyful. Life took him many places beyond St. Louis. Everywhere he went—D.C., New York, Montreal, Islesboro, San Francisco—David invested in the arts, bringing more beauty into the world for the enjoyment of all.

We at Starkloff are profoundly grateful for his leadership and his friendship. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the organizations he strengthened, and the city he helped shape.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at The Church of the Annunziata, 9305 Clayton Road, St. Louis.  Read David’s full obituary.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones, especially his dear friend, The Honorable Judge Jean Hamilton, and the entire Blanton family. David will be deeply missed and always remembered.