In Memory: David Stuart Armstrong, Age 92
David Stuart Armstrong, “Dave,” was born in Rye, New York, on February 17, 1932, to Ellis & Virginia Armstrong and passed away peacefully surrounded by family, holding his wife Kathy’s hand, on July 7, 2024, at his home in Burr Ridge, Illinois.
The 7th of 8 children, Dave spent most of his childhood in LaGrange, Illinois. He served in the Korean War with the Army Corps of Engineers for 3 years and in 1955 he met Kathleen Suzanne Barr, when they danced to “Only You” by The Platters. Just two weeks later Dave proposed, and they were married on April 21, 1956. During their 68 years together, their family grew to include: their 8 children, David (Cathy) Armstrong, Christi “CJ” (late Jim) Aulisa, Cindy (late Randy) Anderson, Greg (Diana) Armstrong, Dennis (Gail) Armstrong, Katey Armstrong, Judy (late Joe) Slovak, and Ginny (Tim) Toepfer; their much loved grandchildren, Mary (Nick) Mardirosian, Dan (Nicole) Armstrong, Casey (Travis) Gravitt, Scott (Carly) Anderson, Sarah Armstrong, Nicole (Tim) Rachoy, Danielle (Greg) Fouladi, Maggie Driscoll, Jessica (Tyler) Bantz, Allyson Slovak, Joseph Slovak, Cidney (Tyler) Smith, Tyler David Hasz and Emily Toepfer; and their cherished great‑grandchildren, William, James, Brooke, Brennan, Bridgette, Maddy, Chase, Finley, Emma, Leo, Thomas, Cayson, Ainsley and Kelley. And finally, Dave’s caregiver and unofficial 6th daughter, Sundy Bordonada, and close friend, Mark Church, who gave so much care and love to him in recent years.
Dave & Kathy spent their early years living in Aurora and Elgin, then moved to Moline where he built their first house, ultimately moving their family to LaGrange Park in 1969. He enjoyed playing golf, he also loved tennis and played regularly; a tennis match was sure to be on the TV if Dave was watching. He was a devout White Sox fan, known for asking all he met, “Do you like baseball or are you a Cubs fan?”. Dave could really “cut a rug” and instilled a love for music in all of his children, starting a good number of days with a stirring rendition of “Oh What a Beautiful Morning” in perfect pitch. A huge classical music aficionado, he will be remembered for blasting Rachmaninoff while driving his beloved pontoon on Lake Allegan in Michigan, where he and Kathy spent many happy years with friends and family.
Dave won’t just be remembered as a wonderful father and grandfather, but also as a faithful friend to many and a man of God who valued all life. He gave thousands of hours to his community and church in volunteer work, coaching many School, Park District and Little League teams. Rarely saying “I love you,” Dave instead would simply state the simple word “more,” which is exactly how much he was loved and will be missed.
To celebrate his life on earth, a wake will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street in Countryside, Illinois 60525. A funeral mass will take place on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Church, 124 N. Spring Avenue in LaGrange, Illinois 60525.
In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Francis Xavier Church may be made in Dave’s name. Funeral Info: (708) 352-6500.
