David left this world on November 21 at 11.04 pm, surrounded by his loved ones.
He will be very much missed by his family and friends, whose lives were made better and happier for knowing him.
A memorial service will be held for David on Wednesday, November 30 at 4pm, at First Parish Unitarian Church in Concord, MA.
May peace and love fill all of our lives.
Monika
Our thoughts are with you, Monika. He was wonderful and will always be remembered. Jody MacNeil
ReplyDeleteYou are all in my thoughts and prayers. He was a great man who many of us were blessed to know. I had Mr. Prifti in high school back in the day. Amazing, kind, funny, inspirational; just to name a few! I only wish my kids could have experienced his classes and known him. Always in our hearts and I know his spirit lives on! Thank you for sharing so much with all of us!!
ReplyDelete-Michelle Williams Pitas
CCHS '93
Rest in peace, and much love.
ReplyDeleteHeather (Norrod) Smith
David, Monika, Amanda, and Lucas,
ReplyDeleteYou are so deeply loved by the McCutchens.
We will all miss David dearly.
Monty, Terri, Counti and Satchel McCutchen
Condolences to the Prifti family. Some of my fondest memories of HS are hanging out in the photo room with Prifti listening to Howlin' Wolf. He was a genuinely good guy and has had a positive impact on countless lives. Go easy bud.
ReplyDeleteDeep sadness. Peace and freedom from pain for him, and our hearts are with you, his family. The world is a better place for having had David in it, and we are all the better for having known him.
ReplyDeletePolly
Rest in peace, solice and paradise to the most wonderful soul many of us have ever known.
ReplyDeleteWe all truly love you.
Shawna Fields
Class of '08
I am so deeply sad for you. Dave was a wonderful person and teacher. I admired his enthusiasm and energy for life. You are in our hearts. We loved him at Concord Art.
ReplyDeleteEvery part of my being aches for you. Every prayer I have is for you to find peace and joy, and know that you are deeply loved by all around you.
ReplyDeleteThe selfish part of me wants to scream how unfair this is, but the Mr. Prifti that taught me as much about photography as he did about life and what it is to be a GREAT human being I do not believe would want that. It's funny how when your in the class you may not realize how much the teacher may impact the rest of your life. I knew nothing about the photography before 9th grade, searching every Walgreens in Boston for black & white film every weekend seemed like the biggest task. Today as I teach I aspire to be Mr. Prifti. To have an ever lasting impact on my students that they will carry on. I take better pictures because of you, I'm a better teacher because of you, and I will be a better person because of you. I just wish my daughters could have had the privilege to experience some of your sunshine....May this time bring comfort to the entire Prifti family. Thank you for letting us in your lives.....
ReplyDeleteDeniere c/o '97
We send love and comfort to you all. Our lives are better for having known -- and admired -- Dave. He won't be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteSue & Tom
Monika, David's legacy will live on through all the lives he has touched; he will always be remembered as a bigger-than-life, caring, thoughtful and outrageously-funny person. We will miss him terribly at Concord Art. We wish him peace.
ReplyDeleteDavid was blessed to have you as his love and partner, and your children, Amanda and Lucas. You have ALL taught us how to be strong, courageous and gracious by your example. Our best tribute to David is to live our lives with more understanding, passion and kindness - and of course, humor.
My love and prayers are with you and your family.
-Deborah Plunkett
Dear Monika and family,
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear the news of Dave's passing. He was a wonderful teacher and inspiration. Love and blessings to you and your family. May you find and receive all the support you need during this difficult time.
Anjula Jalan, CCHS '90
Dear Monika,
ReplyDeleteI was one of Mr. Prifti's first CCHS students and I'm so sad to hear the news of his passing. I will attend the service on Wednesday to pay my respects to someone who I still hold in my heart as a wonderful teacher. Wishing you love and support during this very sad time.
Amy Clymer Snelling CCHS 1989
To Monika, Amanda, Lucas - my thoughts and love are with you.
ReplyDeleteTo Dave's parents - you should be so proud to have son who has and will continue to impact so many peoples lives. Thank you!
To Dave - I will miss your welcome hugs, bad jokes, and surplus of smiles. But I know you are still with me wherever you are. Enjoy your travels.
Doug K.
Thank you, Monika. And thank you, David, for your graceful and courageous exit, and a life I'll keep trying to learn from. Love you both ... Tom Hart
ReplyDeleteJust not fair. One of the most genuine, honest and honorable human beings that has come into the world. Dave was the kind of guy who had the talent to listen and the humility to convey truthful compassion. He made you feel like what you said did or felt was important and real. Monika and Dave's enduring respect and love for each other was a lesson to me. Thanks for being my friend Dave. The world is a sadder place to have lost one of the greats. Really going to miss you. Peace to you, Monkia, Lucas, Amanda. Eileen
ReplyDeleteAmanda, Lucas and Monika -
ReplyDeletemy thoughts are prayers are with you all at this time. Such a wonderful, wonderful man. Truly an inspiration.
Carla
Monika, Amanda and Lucas,
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about Thanksgiving, and thought how thankful I am for having met David and you at MassArt, and how both of you made those years something special.
Jan and I extend our heartfelt sympathy for your loss, and know that David's passage has surely brought him to a peaceful and love filled place. Please know that all of you and your extended family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Peace and love,
Alan and Jan
Monika,
ReplyDeleteI loved Dave so very much and are deeply saddened by this news. This has been a very long road for your family. I am so grateful to have celebrated life with the both of you as a family in Brighton. Knowing Dave has changed my life . I remember our chats about life, Dave's wisecrack jokes, endless dinners and desserts on the patio outside, the arrival of the twins and turkey soup, and his many kindnesses. This wonderful friendship I will cherish the rest of my life. I am hugging you Monika, Lucas, and Amanda as I did many years ago... and I will be there for whatever I can do for you and your family. I love you all so very much. ............Franny and Michael
Monika, Amanda, Lucas
ReplyDeleteMeg, Suze and I send our love. Your work together as a family is inspiring to us. We cherish our contact with David's spirit.
Arthur
Dear Monika, Amanda and Lucas,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and love go to you all at this very difficult time. Dave was a wonderful man, who we were privilelged to know firsthand, through his work, or through those he inspired. With love, Lois
Monika, Amanda and Lucas,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Dave with us. He was an inspiration to many and loved by all. Your generosity has always been appreciated. Know that we love and care for you at this time. May God hold youup with his strength.
Take care,
Sharon, Jerry, Jackie, and Candice
Dear Monika, Lucas and Amanda,
ReplyDeleteWords are inadequate to express my sorrow for the loss of Dave. He was beloved by anyone who ever knew him. I will always think of Dave's irreverent world view, his irresistible sense of humor, and numerous kindnesses he showed to me and my family. We loved Dave and feel his loss keenly. He will always hold such a very special place in our hearts.
We love you all and will be thinking of you as you walk through this.
Paula, et al
I was so saddened to hear of Dave's passing. I've followed his valiant struggle on this blog for some time now. I always admired Dave's optimism, warmth and humor. I know he is well-loved by many people and admired by many more. I will miss him. Dave has found peace. We wish the same for Monika, Amanda & Lucas.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Joanna & Dermot
Providence, RI
It's hard to grasp although Dave himself said it was coming. It was so brave and generous to have shared the journey through all of this. But that was Dave. I'm grateful to have known him and also grateful to have been around you two as a couple way back when. I have vivid memories which make me smile and few that make me laugh. Dave has left an immense contribution as an artist, teacher and role model. He has also left a large void in his absence. Peace and love to you Monika, Amanda and Lucas. Anne in Los Angeles
ReplyDeleteDavid Prifti is a blessing that we all carry with us. He was the first teacher I ever had who opened my eyes to what was possible within. He has shaped this world in more ways then most of us could dream to, and that lives forever. Prifti, thank you.
ReplyDeleteTR
Monika, these photos are so very touching ...coming together and letting go. We hold you all in our hearts as you rest and mend and move toward the future. One of Colin's friends told me in awe today of how perfectly still all 1000+ students became as they held Dave in their hearts during a moment of silence at the Spirit Assembly. How wonderful that he could leave knowing how many hearts and minds he inspired in his time here!
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Cherrie (Corey), John, Rosie, and Colin Nevins
Dear Monika, Lucas and Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear of Dave passing, he taught us so many lessons about life and enjoying it till the glass tipped over in love, joy, art, family, David was the essence of all things good in this life. He will be missed by all. And while our hearts are breaking, I can only say how lucky we have all been to have him here while we did to show us and guide us on how to live life to the fullest.
I love you all, "Korndingo" as he called me, Anne K.
Monika, my thoughts are with you, Amanda and Lucas. What incredibly beautiful photos. How Dave lived his life and lived his death are such gifts to all who knew him. I'm sending you so much love and peace and healing as you navigate this devastating loss.
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you,
Betsy Holden Thompson
CA '87
O Monika.such a strange unexpected territory..as a friend staggering about in the mystery, can barely conceive of how you and kids must be...we keep trying to think about the absence of his pain, bust mostly just feel absence..so missed missed missed.....like the moon was stolen, or the ocean was faked...was talking w/someone how impossible it is to sustain the level of grief, not dark grief, but just grieving, that is deserved..have to do it in little bits, then make a soup, go to work, be extra friendly at the grocery story in memory of him...and theres always that trying to be how he'd want us to be..chanelling dark into a language of art, light,contrast with light..its so complex, what is him..not an evasion of the dark but the awareness of it as a color, a medium..terrified but unafraid...hang on..your own magic hovers over everything too.. you are such a lovely couple..luminescence...it will be okay...xoxoxxo
ReplyDeleteJess
Oh Prifti. I don't have words to do justice to the joy of knowing you. As a teacher, as a mentor, and as a person. You live in each photo I take, your advice sounds in my head as I compose the frame. You truly helped me become the person I am. Thank you. Celeste
ReplyDeleteTo the Prifti family,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. I have had the privilege to know Mr. Prifti as a teacher as well as a fellow colleague. His courageous battle for life is an inspiration to us all. CCHS is a better place because of Mr. Prifti and his legacy will forever live on. I hope as I continue in the classroom that I will be able to have the same impact on my students as he has.
Lots of love to the Prifti family, and Mr. Prifti thank you for being you.
-Stacey Watford
CCHS class of 2000 & Metco Tutor
I only knew David briefly, but was so impressed with his brilliance. His fight for life was amongst the most valiant I've ever seen... it was a shock, today- Thanksgiving- to see his final day has passed 2 days ago. I am thankful to have known him. God bless his family and his sweet soul.
ReplyDeleteron labbe
I post the following from my son Dana's Facebook page:
ReplyDeleteDana Seaver
You were the one in a million when it seemed like it was a million to one. Your guidance and patience gave us form and strength. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't be the person I am today. RIP David Prifti.
On talking to Dana at dinner, I realized Dana is about the same age Dave was when Dana had Dave as a teacher. Dana said Dave really related to him and helped him realize he could be a the professional graphic designer he is today.
Its been a long time since we were classmates at Mass Art. I know we were just a group of kids whos lives crossed because of our common age and where we went to college, but that time together and the experiences we all shared helped make us what we are today. When one of us is taken from this world early, it reminds us all how short and precious life can be. Sorry to hear of David passing. My sympathy goes out to Monika and the family.
ReplyDeleteThere are few people I can think of who've left such joy and so many treasured memories behind them as Dave. For the many of us who had our creative spirits awakened in those CCHS photo classrooms, the memory of the patented Prifti advice and encouragement will always be treasured immensely.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear of this loss, but I will also always take inspiration from the wealth of memories I have from those classroom hours and from the past few years of following this blog as a model of how to face illness with grace and enlightenment.
My thoughts to all of you.
Rachel Ropeik (class of '99)
To the Prifti Family,
ReplyDeleteThere are no words to express the loss of such a great person. May you find strength in knowing that David was loved by many people and touch the hearts of thousands, and he will never be forgotten. May his Memory be Eternal.
Sandy and Mark Dionis
Dave won't ever be forgotten, what a gem. Love and peace to you all from an old friend in California who mourns with you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being in my life, Prifti. I learned so much from you. My years at CCHS were some of my best, and it was you who helped make them that way. I tried taking photography in college and found it lacking. There will never be another like you. Rest in Peace.
ReplyDeleteEleanor Buxbaum (CCHS class of '08)
He was one of my favorite teachers who inspired me to become a photographer. So sad! RIP
ReplyDelete~Meghan Keil (CCHS'97)
A great presence in all of our lives, even from far away. Much loved and much missed. Peace to you.
ReplyDeleteDavid offered everyone he met/touched a view of the world full of beauty, potential and excitement. He inspired students and parents alike. He made me laugh everytime we parents showed up at some crazy time for ice hockey practice. He reminded me what it meant to be a loving parent.
ReplyDeleteAnd then, his art. Breathtaking. I am no artist, but his practiced eye saw beauty and immediacy in the everyday. His photos make me stop and be grateful for the people and world around us.
David was an ambasador of love, humor and humility. We are all so lucky to have known him.
Thank you, Monica, Amanda and Lucas, for joining your husband/father in sharing his hospice journey. Such a gift.
God bless,
Ellen, Alex and Nikki
David had many talents, but I think his real genius was that he had a way of making you feel like you were the most important person in the world to him. And he did it with a casual ease, because it was heartfelt and genuine. I always wished I could be more like him and I suspect he affected many people that way.
ReplyDeleteWhen you have difficulty facing the day, remember what he wants you to do: get up, put one foot in front of the other, and move forward. His spirit lives on.
Dear Friends of Dave,
ReplyDeleteA scholarship in honor of Dave has been set up with the Concord-Carlisle Scholarship Fund. Please make a generous donation so that Dave's legacy can continue with other students interested in the arts. Vist the website at
www. ccscholarshipfund.org
GIFTS IN HIS MEMORY MAY BE MADE TO:
Concord Carlisle Scholarship Fund (CCSF)
c/o David Prifti Memorial Scholarship fund.
PO Box 217
Concord, MA 01742-0217
www.ccscholarshipfund.org
A memorial blog for David is now on the HuffingtonPost
ReplyDeletehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-seed/david-prifti-19612011-in-_b_1114358.html
Please accept our sincere sympathy, Monika. We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and sending love.
ReplyDeleteEllen Schön and Steve Marcus
Monika, Amanda, and Lucas...
ReplyDeleteThe memorial service was wonderful. The place was packed, particularly upstairs where people were standing against the walls on both sides. It's a wonder the Fire Department didn't stop the service for fear of a fire. They must have known how much we all wanted to be there.
I liked The Rev. Elaine's message. David certainly has achieved eternity through all of us who cared about him.
I also like Debora's talk. I am wondering if you can put it on line for us to read and share with people who were not there. Could it be part of this blog? Or would it be better to publish it separately.
My email address is "chrisdavies2321@gmail.com" and I would love a copy anyhow. I would also be glad to help in any way I can to make it available.
I hope you are all bearing up. There's no doubt you are going to miss David a lot even though you knew he was leaving. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you in the weeks to come.
With very best wishes, Chris Davies
Only the good die young he should not have gone
ReplyDeletewe are all depressed it is like the world has gotten less bright
Dear Monika, Lucas and Amanda,
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you today and everyday and the service that was so beautiful and poignant; thoughtful in every way as you all always are. And to Deb, we all loved your eulogy as well as the words of the Reverend thank you soo much for this.
Please feel the embrace of this community of intense love for you.
I am honored to be one of David's eternity....anne K
PS-I'm not sure if this blog continues, and I will contact you in traditional ways, but is there any way to get a picture of David in his caveman outfit?
ReplyDeleteI never met david but spoke to him once by telephone about his art. His art work was loving and soulful and will continue his spirit in the world I have no doubt. My sympathies to his family and friends for their loss- Paul Cava
ReplyDeletePrifty,
ReplyDeleteI feel really guilty and bad that I didn't know you passed away this past November, but know that there hasn't been a long period of time where I haven't thought of you and the things you've taught me. You helped me see the beauty of my photos I took for class and helped me become a better artist and person! You were really good at understanding me and my work and giving me good things to work on. I really hope you're happy wherever you are. I won't ever forget you or the things you taught me. Thanks for being such a great Teacher, example, and friend to me!
I still miss him all the time.
ReplyDelete