David Joseph Wasserman

November 21, 1961 — June 6, 2025

Summerville, SC

David Joseph Wasserman, born on November 21, 1961, in Yonkers, New York, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, in Charleston, South Carolina. He leaves behind a profound legacy of love, life-long learning, significant contributions to his community, and service to others.

David was a devoted husband, family man, friend, and a charismatic soul cherished and admired by many for his warmth, generosity, contagious smile and sense of humor. He demonstrated an unwavering dedication to those around him. He built a distinguished career as Chief Financial Officer for a nonprofit organization and within institutions of higher learning, where his leadership, compassion, devotion, and commitment to helping others shone through. Prior to his career in finance, David wore different hats in a variety of occupations and made a lasting impact on the people around him.

David was a passionate advocate for education and learning. He also served as a higher education instructor in New York, embodying the values of lifelong learning and personal growth. Earning two master's degrees and a doctorate later in life reflected his unrelenting drive and belief in the power of knowledge, and its application.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, David was a gifted musician and bassist whose talent and joy for music enriched countless lives. He was deeply involved in the arts community, serving as Treasurer on the board of the North Charleston Performing Arts Center and championing access to cultural enrichment for all.

David's impact extended far beyond his professional careers in finance, education, television and music. For 36 years, he was a dedicated member and sponsor in the 12-step recovery community, offering strength, wisdom, and hope. His resilience and generosity inspired others on their paths to healing and personal growth. David embodied strength, wisdom, and hope to countless people, walking beside others on their journeys to healing. He led by example.

A lover of golf—despite what he humbly described as modest skills — David embraced the game with joy and humor. He took immense pleasure in life's simple moments and cultivated deep, lasting bonds with family, friends, and neighbors.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 24 years, Dr. Nereida Quiles-Wasserman; daughters Selene Buckley and her husband Dr. Stephen Buckley, and Lely Chichetti and her husband Dr. Steven Chichetti; sisters Anne Marie Wasserman-Starro and Debra A. Hernandez; grandchildren Liana, Jacob, Brianna, and Danielle; great-grandson Leo; cherished nieces, Marissa and Mariah; nephews, Michael and Luis; great-nieces, Stella, Gianna and Olivia; and great-nephew Michael Jr, who will carry his spirit forward.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Seymour Joseph Wasserman and Ann Theresa Comizio Wasserman.

His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him—as a beacon of compassion, a lifelong learner, a lover of music, and an enduring example of strength, generosity, grace and love.

The family requests memorials be made to AA World Services:

General Service Office, Post Office Box 2407, James A Farley Station, New York, NY 10116-2407

Make checks payable to the General Service Board