“"The soul never dies but simply changes its form." — Plato
Life story
It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my beloved brother, David Barbosa de Carvalho. David’s life was tragically and senselessly cut short in the early hours of January 15, 2025. He was only 42 years old.
David’s journey began on July 8, 1982, in Santa Rosa, California. From a young age, he was intelligent, curious, determined and loving. As the eldest sibling, he naturally assumed the role of protector, always watching over us with unwavering care.
David grew into a hardworking man filled with ambition, dreams, and a deep desire to create a better life for himself and his family, especially our mother. His generosity and pride were defining traits, though his drive and determination to succeed sometimes made his path in life challenging. To those who truly knew him, David was a man of great potential, a dreamer who always aspired to do more.
David is survived by our mother, Soraya Barbosa; our grandmother, Marlene Barbosa; his siblings—Desiree Desai, Debora Hartnett, Kevin Silva, Handerson Araujo and Douglas Carvalho as well as a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who loved him deeply.
As we mourn his passing, we ask for loving prayers for his soul. Prayers that he may rest in peace until his spirit is called forth again in the next life life, where he may continue his journey of growth, healing, and love.
Rest easy brother. I’ll always cherish the deep spiritual bond and countless talks we had over the years. We could talk and connect about anything. You were a true genius. A scientist that knew more about everything than anyone. Too many memories to list but I’ll never forget watching the Warriors playoff game with you in Orlando after hanging out all day at Disney in the scorching heat. I was consistently nervous that they would lose, and you calmly, simply said “don’t worry bro, they got this.” Calm and confident like a true leader. That was David. Smart, bold, caring and truly an old wise soul. The special kind. Until we meet again, legend. We’ll hold it down like you would have wanted. Om Shanti Om 🙏🏽
I don’t know where to begin—you were there for me before I could ever be there for you. You were my protector in every sense, especially in our childhood. You didn’t just keep us safe—you carried the weight of responsibility far beyond your years. You made sure the chores were done before anything else, that we had what we needed, and that no one ever messed with us. But beyond that, you made life an adventure. You organized neighborhood games of football and manhunt, filled our home with friends, and made sure there was always laughter, energy, and fun.
No matter how annoying younger siblings can be, you always let us tag along with you and your friends. You stood up for us, defended us, and reminded us that we were never alone. Most of all, we had each other’s backs. The memories of our childhood are imprinted in my heart, but the ones I hold closest are from when you lived with me and Mike in California—when you and Kalkin formed your bond, when we cooked for each other and shared recipes, when we celebrated your 34th birthday and dreamed about traveling the world and building a better life together.
I will always regret the times I held on to grudges when we fought and the long stretches when we didn’t talk. But no matter what, I always forgave you, and I always loved you—even in the moments I was mad at you. I’m so sorry I didn’t get the chance to see you and hug you again like we had planned this January. I miss you terribly and hope you’ve found peace, love, and designer everything—especially Gucci, Versace, and Louis Vuitton—wherever you are. Thank you for being my big brother.
I love you more than I think you ever knew, but I hope, somehow, you can feel it now. I live in a world without my brother, and I don’t know how to do that—but I promise I’ll keep pushing forward. For you. For me. For Mom.
I love you. Always. 💔
David wasn’t just a cousin—he was a force of nature. No matter how much time passed, every conversation with him felt like picking up right where we left off. His presence was effortless, full of warmth, laughter, and unforgettable memories.
David was light. He had an energy that made everything more exciting, whether it was a simple conversation or one of his wild adventures. He lived life with a fearless spirit, always pushing the boundaries of fun. I still remember him climbing onto the roof just to leap into the pool below—pure David, bold and carefree, always making life an adventure.
He also had a unique way of sharing his world with those he loved. He would always send me videos—some thought-provoking, some hilarious. The movies he recommended were always fascinating, opening my mind to new ideas and perspectives. And I have to say, hearing him speak in Portuguese was the absolute cutest! It was just another part of his charm that made him so special.
One memory that always makes me smile is the time I walked to the bakery to buy fresh French bread—only to come back and find that David had eaten it all! That was him—living in the moment, enjoying the simple pleasures, and making life more fun for everyone around him.
Since David’s passing, I’ve felt an even deeper connection to the spiritual world. His presence is still here, guiding and reminding us that love never fades. Even though he’s not physically with us, I know he’s watching over us, still sending his light our way.
David, you were loved beyond words, and you always will be. Your laughter, your adventurous spirit, and your kindness will never fade from our hearts. Until we meet again, know that you are missed every single day.
love you always Marla
David, words feel so inadequate in capturing the impact you had on my life, and yet, I feel compelled to try. As I reflect on the time we spent together, a flood of memories comes rushing in, each one filled with laughter, warmth, and the kind of bond only family can create.
You always had a way of turning even the simplest moments into unforgettable memories. Your laughter was contagious, and your heart was as big as your smile. You had a rare ability to make everyone around you feel special, and I’m so grateful to have been one of those people.
As we grew older, our paths may have taken us in different directions, but the bond we shared never faded. Whether we were catching up during family gatherings or simply talking about life and the things that mattered most, you always made time to listen, to care, and to offer your wisdom. Your genuine kindness and unwavering support will forever remain with me.
David, you were more than just a cousin—you were a friend, a confidant, and a guiding light. The world is a little dimmer without you, but I take comfort in knowing that the love you gave, the memories we made, and the lessons you taught me will stay with me for the rest of my life.
I miss you more than words can express, but I know you are now at peace. Your spirit will live on in the stories we tell, in the laughter that will continue to echo through our family, and in the memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.
Rest in peace, David. I’ll carry you with me always, and I’ll never forget the beautiful soul you were.
My heart hurts for you in a way I've never experienced. You were always there for me although it sometimes felt like a secret. The memories we have I’ll cherish forever. I'm not sure how to write a tribute, but if this is my message to you let me promise you this. You will always be remembered and cherished, your heart will give us warmth, your smile with be our light in our darkest times, and we will always look towards our biggest dreams to push us forward. When I need you I’ll howl at the moon like we’re in Mexico. I know you're in a better place. better than this dumb rock for sure. I know they have the crispiest beers, the strongest weed, the tastiest cigarettes, the best cuts of steak, and the most divine women. Save some for me. although given my luck, I'll probably be 103. The sunset probably looks better up there anyway, huh? While you're up there keep Great Grandma, Grandpa, Tio Jackson, and Tyber company. I know Tyber is happy to have you. At least I know he has someone to have fun with. Look after our mom and visit all of us in our dreams. The brightest stars in our sky will be your hello to us. Until the day we can hold you in our arms again, Love you forever, in this world, The next, and as far as the universe will reach. Can’t wait for the day you piss me off again, your little brother.
The First of a Generation, The Bold, The Brave!
One who inspired many of us to take initiative and risks, to do and to be what we were afraid of.
The Go Getter, Hustler and Seeker of Knowledge.
Always looking for ways to achieve his goals, relentlessly researching and improving his approaches and interactions.
The Questioner, The Rebel, The Thinker.
He taught me to not to adopt manufactured concepts, to formulate my own opinion, and take my conclusions based on facts.
The Protector. The Family Man. The Lover.
Growing up He would take the responsibilities of being the Eldest, The Strongest, The “Know Better” trying to guide and watch over us to the best of his capabilities.
He Loved his family and did his best not to leave any loose ties. He was very kind to our beloved Grandmother and did everything within his capabilities to Honor and Tend to her needs and that of her house.
He was more than a Cousin, He was a Big Brother to me and many of us. And we did what brothers do: We had great times and times not so great. We laughed and we celebrated. We fought many times and made amends even more so.
I am very blessed and thankful to God for giving me the opportunity of having his presence in my life, even when it seems it wasn’t for long enough.
David will be Present Forever in our Hearts and Minds.
One Love, Brother!
David was more than just my cousin; he was someone I deeply admired from a young age. As my eldest cousin, he stood out for his intelligence and natural leadership, qualities that inspired me and many others around him.
His sudden and tragic passing leaves an immense void in our hearts. In this moment of sorrow, I pray that God receives David with open arms and grants peace and comfort to my dear aunt and his beloved siblings. May his light continue to shine in our memories, reminding us of the kindness, wisdom, and strength he shared with us all.
Rest in peace, David. You will always be remembered with love.
My Brother, David,
What to say about someone who is part of my earliest memories? In that beginning it was David, Desireé, Getulho and me. From the times Tia Sibele babysat us while scaring us with green pasta, to the magical stay we had at Grandpa's and Grandma's homestead, covered in clay, tilling the fields and getting blown up while roasting cashews... He was always there, always the leader...
As we got older, this remained the same, and it also included protection. Even though he was bossy, he was loyal and protective. Many things in life were easier because we knew David had our back...
Everytime we separated, generally because I would leave, after the novelty of the new place wore off, I would always dream about our reunion. Our celebrations, conversations, planning...
Now you are the one who left, to a place where we can't easily follow, but that we try to reach with our hearts, to alleaviate the longing that your absence causes.
I love you brother, and I know we will meet again, like all those times that we were apart, I know this time will too will come to an end.
Rest in peace and love.
Today, I found myself reflecting on loss, a profound feeling that resonates deeply within us when we lose someone we love. It serves as a reminder of the precious moments we shared and the connections we built. In order to remember and honor my cousin, David, I wish to share some of my thoughts and feelings. Though our paths didn’t cross often due to the distance between us, the memories we created are cherished and will remain with me forever.
One of my fondest memories of David is from my childhood, during my very first trip to the U.S. Oh boy, I was so excited to meet my cousins and embark on that adventure to Disney! David was our enthusiastic guide, leading us to all the exciting attractions and choosing where we would eat. I’ll never forget how I ended up eating more Burger King than I ever thought possible during that trip! It’s normal for younger cousins, like myself, to admire their older relatives, and David was no exception. After all, what could be cooler in the eyes of a child than being the guide for a family trip? His humor and infectious energy made those moments even more special, reminding me that the warmth of family bonds transcends any distance.
David had a heart of gold. He was deeply devoted to his family, especially his beloved mother. His love and attachment to them were evident in everything he did, and his kindness touched everyone who knew him.
I will always remember David for his love of family and the joy he brought into our lives. I often reflect on how much I wished we could have been closer, and I will forever cherish the memories we had. Though he may no longer be with us, his memory will live on in our hearts forever. I know that Grandpa is taking care of you right now, and you will always keep an eye on us.
Rest in peace, dear cousin. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Growing up with David as the oldest cousin was a role that fitted perfectly with his personality. He was always so protective of all of us and displayed his care and affection in many different forms. Gladly I was able to share many happy memories with him throughout the years especially after I moved to the US. When I was younger in Brazil sometimes he would travel to Recife to visit and would always bring gifts like videogames and shoes and he would always say ''Girls won't stop looking at you with those shoes" but he would say that laughing which if you knew him you knew that it meant that he was making fun of you in a good way. His laughter was so distinct and one of the things I will miss hearing the most, we were always having fun and laughing. We shared a lot of the same interests and I knew I could talk to him about anything and he would sit there and listen for hours, always upbeat. I will never forget what he represented which at its core was deep love and care for family. Moving forward will be tough on all of us but I know he is with Grandpa watching over us just as they both did when they were here.
I remember when I was a kid, and he came to Brazil and took me out. We went to a Lan house, the best one in the entire city. It was my first time there. I had always wanted to go, but I never had the money. He took me there and let me play for hours. I played so much and tried so many different games that I ended up exhausted. We had a great time together, just the two of us. We even ate junk food (coxinhas), and I had an absolute blast.
More recently, he was my "roommate." We lived together with Grandma, my dog, and my mother. He was incredibly kind to all of us, especially to Grandma and my mother. When he arrived, I took him out for Arabic food. Then, I showed him Tio Espedito's Restaurant, where we had lunch. I wanted to show him that our neighborhood was a good place and that Brazil was amazing. wish I had gone out with him more often.
It’s hard to find the words David. As our oldest brother and fearless leader, I never quite stopped to think about the responsibility you had with us. It was you that walked us home safely after school. It was also you that showed us how to tie the blanket from the top of the stairs and jump. It was you I looked up to when I studied hard to get straight As. It was also you who played manhunt, Bloody Mary and hockey with us. You were always there to keep us in line or take us on an adventure. When you were with us there was nothing to fear and always fun to be had.
To me you were the coolest. You protected me and taught me so much. We would talk about the universe and music and all the random things. There’s so much I’ve had to tell you in my prayers but I know that you hear me. I’ll forever cherish all the memories with you, every smile, every hug and every day we shared. You will forever be my big brother David. I’ll forever love you and I’ll miss you the rest of my days.
Love your little sister, Debora
David, my older brother. I’ve been thinking a lot about you and all the memories we created together. Though I know I’ll never fully be able to express what I feel, I want to take this moment to honor you.
I’ll always remember those afternoons walking back home after school, making sure we were always good. You always led the way.
Then there were the times we’d jump into the canal or off bridges. Those summer days in Miami, when the sun was beating down and we had nothing but time. The real fun, though, came when we decided to try and catch iguanas. You always knew how to turn something simple into an adventure.
While everyone else was hiding indoors, you and I would head out into the hurricane, kayaking down the flooded street in front of the house. In those moments, I felt invincible. I knew that, with you by my side, we could take on anything.
Those days, those adventures we had together, are etched into my heart, and I’ll carry them with me forever. Even though you’re gone, your spirit still lives. I’ll always look back at those memories with a smile, knowing that you shaped so much of who I am today.
Rest in peace, David. You will always be loved, always missed, and forever remembered.
David had a deep love for his family and always made a point to check in with my mom and ask about his nieces and nephews. When my family visited Sarasota last year, David graciously offered to watch my dog, Rocco. If you know Rocco, you’d understand my hesitation. He’s not the friendliest with strangers and tends to bark at anyone he doesn’t recognize. I was concerned about leaving him with David, especially since they had never met. But within a day, they were inseparable. It was clear that Rocco sensed he was in good hands—he could tell David was someone trustworthy, someone with a kind heart. We’ve all heard so many stories of how David touched the lives of those around him. The stories shared by those who knew him paint a picture of a man whose generosity and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. As we remember David, let’s celebrate the many ways he made a difference in the lives of others, showing us that true goodness comes from within.
I met David a little after Hurricane Andrew when his family moved into Riverside Apartments. Ever since then we were down like four flats. We would spend our times playing man hunt or hockey. Once they move to the big house in Palmetto Bay it was bar-b-ques and jumping off the roof into the pool. We’ve had memorable times as kids. We went from friends to brothers and we will always be family. There’s not too many people in this life that cansay they had 30 years of friendship with someone, and David was one of us from the start. Descanse em paz, meu irmão, até nos encontrarmos de novo. One love, you will be missed.
As a kid, I would make the seemingly endless drive in the back of a delivery truck down to what I used to call “The Homestead House”. While my heart was set on playing Pretty Pretty Princess or school with Deby and Deka, Handy and David would always be ready to enact their version of fun…. Manhunt, scary stories, and pranks. To this day, I can still see the house at the end of the street past “the yellow line” that was home to the neighborhood witch, a David original legend. “The Homestead House” was the backdrop of so many amazing memories for me… one of which could not have happened without David. The boys’ room was stereotypically a “no girl zone” but David found it in himself to break the bro code to show me that his conveniently placed window offered easy access to the roof. One night, David helped me climb through so I could lay on the roof and just look up at the stars. For my young mind, I had never seen something so vast. It was hard to understand the endlessness of the skies then and now all I can think is that now you’re a part of that endless sky. David, thank you for being part of some of my favorite childhood memories.
