Former Organist
In Memorium: David Gierlach
On January 16, 2025, David William Gierlach of Frankfort, KY departed this earthly plane in a tragic slip-and-fall accident.
David was born on February 4, 1954, in Louisville, KY to the late Dr. Zygmunt S. and Marilyn “MiMi” Gierlach. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sieglinde “ChiChi” Hayden.
David first discovered his diverse desire for knowledge and wisdom at a very young age, attending many schools of merit, from The Lexington School in KY to North Country School in Lake Placid, NY, Pomfret School in CT, and finally to Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where he studied his musical passion with fervor. His time spent amongst the Bohemians and Buddhist Monks in Chautauqua, NY solidified what became his philosophy on life, his unbending love for diversity of thought, and his capacity and compassion for humanity.
He used this awareness to become a beloved teacher of music and theory, where his talent on the keys reverberated as vibrantly as his genuine, baritone laugh would echo, mirroring his divine sense of humor. Sunday mornings would find him performing at myriad places of worship as organist or pianist, including St. Andrew’s Episcopal in Lexington, KY. David also served as Sexton at Church of the Ascension-Episcopal in Frankfort, KY.
David’s gentle presence and kind spirit will be forever missed by a legion of students – both from Georgetown College in Georgetown, KY, where he often accompanied them in performance, to the private lessons he provided in his most recent years; by countless friends who became family; and by the family he has left behind: brothers Joeseph “Joe” Gierlach (KY) and Peter “Petey Mesquitey” (Marian) Gierlach (AZ); nieces and nephews Jason Levensen (WA), Lisa Wentland (VA), Anja Gierlach (MI), Bambi Rivera (PA), Daniel Hayden (AK), Katy Gierlach (AZ), and Sarah Gierlach (AZ).
“Make of yourself a light,” said the Buddha, before he died.
David certainly did make of himself a light. May it burn ever bright in all whose lives he touched, as we cherish our memories and the legacy of his gracious, humble, loving character for years to come.
David's Celebration of Life service at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension can be viewed HERE.
