Colonial Heights, VA – Mr. David Pardo, II, 37 years old, transitioned to eternity on Saturday, February 3, 2024. David was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, and a father who loved his children with all his heart. He was a gifted artist and a child of God. David lived a life of bold creativity, often using his writing and images to say the things he could not say.
David was born to David Pardo Sr. and Mayra Marcano in New York, NY on Sunday, May 25, 1986. David’s childhood was marked with both artistic and spiritual pursuits. As a young boy, he took up drawing, which led to other forms of expression like writing short stories and poems. He drew on anything he could get his hands on and painted murals. He had the “Midas Touch” and could turn something plain or ignored into a thing of beauty. He loved to add a splash of color where something was once dull and lifeless to make it pop with potential and possibility. He loved the color yellow. David was raised in the South Bronx. As a young boy he was active in his church’s youth group and participated in countless outreach events, tagging along with his older siblings, who he loved. His walk with God wasn’t a cookie cutter experience; it was personal, intimate, nuanced, and raw. David could only be real with people. He could only be real with God. A kid at heart, David possessed a childlike wonder and curiosity. One of his greatest assets was his keen imagination. He was homeschooled under, the organization currently known as “Dad’s Love Ministries”, and later attended Morris High School. His creative talents grew during these years, followed by his skills in home construction and painting. Known for his big city energy, David matched this demeanor with the quietness of an old soul. To know his art was to know his genuine thoughts. To read the essays and stories he penned was an invitation into his world, his hopes, dreams, challenges, and fears.
David is survived by his three children; sons, David Pardo III, Shawn Pardo; his daughter, Arabella Pardo; his parents, David Pardo of Gastonia, NC and Mayra Marcano of Rock Hill; his brother, William Prosper III of NJ; his three sisters, Fatima (Emanuel Funches) Pardo of Rock Hill, SC, Natalia (Roger) Spittle, Amindullah Pardo of Charlotte, NC; his aunts, uncles, cousins, and his grandparents.
David was preceded in death by his brother, Yusef Ibn Dawud Pardo; his aunt, Janet Pardo.
David will always be remembered for his courage to try and try again. He will be fondly remembered for his charming smile and his loyalty to his close friends and family. His father will remember David’s voice and the deep talks they shared about life. His mother will remember David’s affection and loving heart. He loved his mama and was proud of it. His siblings will remember his love of strawberry ice cream, which he called “pink ice cream.” David’s friends will hold onto his love of music, his New York swag and trademark hoodies, Timberland boots and fitted caps. His children, the bearers of his legacy, will carry on his dreams to make the world a better place. Their bright lives are what he was most proud of and their happiness was his happiness. They will remember their shared love of video games and the fun and imaginative spirit he brought into their lives. The stories he wrote and the worlds he created will become their reality. His family and friends will cherish memories of his warmth and quick wit. The legacy of perseverance he leaves behind will be the bedrock of his next generation. His prayers will be answered in his children’s triumphs and joys. David was a fighter with an indomitable spirit. At times, David struggled not knowing where he fit in. All the while, he fit into God’s vision of family and community. David dreamt of giving his family luxuries but his memory will give them a rich example to continue fighting for what they believe in, to fight for their dreams, to fight for what they deserve, and to know their worth in the eyes of God. David dreamt that his art would live on and exist to touch others’ lives and it will indeed. One of his pieces is the logo of Dad’s Love Ministries, where other young people will be welcomed into a community to know that they are not alone and don’t have to fight alone. David is now free. He has been welcomed into the arms of His Heavenly Father. No more struggles. No more worries. David is now at peace.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net