David B. Barlow

David Birungi Barlow of Silver Spring, Maryland USA passed away on Saturday April 8, 2023. Born on July 3, 1970, David was 52 years old, and just a few months shy of 53 when he died.

David was so many things to his family, the people who loved him, and to the people who had the privilege of knowing him. He was so much more than just a son to the late David Alexander William Nsubuga Barlow and Mrs. Margaret Maria Nabitosi Barlow; he was a precious gift.  David was not just a brother to Linda Barlow Mosha, Carol Barlow Lewis, Nabalamba “Bala” Ssengendo and Suubi Barlow; he was a loving friend, a mentor and a confidant.

“David” is a popular biblical name.  Everybody knows the inspiring story of the lowly shepherd boy who stepped forward to confront the giant warrior, Goliath, with nothing but a slingshot, five smooth stones and a whole lot of self-confidence.  But not that many people know that name “David” is derived from the Hebrew word for “beloved”. Apparently, it also means “uncle”! Our dearly departed David was all those things: a beloved, inspiring and self-confident uncle to Aika, Malkia, Sema, Sente, Sanyu, Sofia, Dembe and Daudi.

“Birungi” means “good things” or “things are good” in Luganda, our native tongue. Birungi, as we often called him at home, was a fine and consummate gentleman who enjoyed good things. He was always impeccably turned out – whether he was in his suit and tie or dressed down casual.  He had a very eclectic and refined taste in music.  His Apple Music playlists were six hours long! He loved any and all things sci-fi as well as playing his games. He was fun to be with and everyone enjoyed his dry and often self-deprecating sense of humor.

David was hard working, honest and loyal to a fault. He dedicated all his working life to Boone & Sons Jewelers, a family business established in 1966, just four years before he was born.

David is survived by his darling mother, loving sisters, beloved nieces and nephews in the United States and a massive tribe of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews in Uganda and elsewhere in the world.  David was preceded in death by far too many people to mention, all our ancestors are there! Perhaps I should ask Birungi to give them our love and warmest greetings to all of them.  Bagambe nti tuli eno tukyagalangatana n’ensi. Omusajja afuuse omusajja ate nga bagweeramu ddala n’esonyi; kati amabaati bagabba mu tuntu ng’obudde butunula buti!! Batulabire nnyo bonna obatugambire nti okujja kwo tujja, naye batuweemu akadde.

Rest in Peace Beloved!

David F.K. Mpanga

April 13, 2023

A Visitation will held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A., 12540 Clarksville Pike, Clarksville, MD from 5:00 to 8:00 PM where a Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023 starting at 11:00 AM. Interment will be held at a later date in Uganda. 

If you can not attend the funeral service in person to watch the live-streaming of this service at the scheduled time please click HERE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Sickle Cell Anemia Society in loving memory of David.

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