Mr. David Paul Gaby, 69, of Springfield,MA, passed away Thursday, July 11, 2024. Mr. Gaby was a Building Designer, Real Estate Broker, Community Planner who dedicated his life to historic preservation and housing justice. Upon his passing, he was the project manager of the McKnight Community Development Corporation, owner of Dartmouth Design Studio and Gaby Real Estate. 

Mr. Gaby was born in Springfield on May 6, 1955 to the late Mr. George Edward Gaby, and the late Mrs. Martha-Ann (Sweazey) Gaby. He was a lifelong member of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Greater Springfield. Mr. Gaby was a kind, open-hearted soul who loved his family and helping others.

Mr. Gaby grew up in the 19th century McKnight Neighborhood. He graduated from Tapley Street School and Classical High School.  Mr. Gaby received his Bachelor of Science in Community Planning and Global Economy from UMass Boston and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from UMass Amherst. As a civil rights advocate, he advocated fair housing, community owned properties, and building trades skilled development.  In the 1970s, Mr. Gaby assisted in the creation of the Mcknight Historic District, a National Register Historic neighborhood, thus protecting it from being torn down for modern housing.  For over 50 years, Gaby continuously fought for vital community building needs that served  his fellow residents of the City of Springfield as well as national projects. 

In 2022, Mr. Gaby was inducted into the Sons of Revolution in the State of New York at the 262 year-old Fraunces Tavern, New York City. There he planned on contributing to the restoration efforts of the famous building.  Gaby had been a member various organizations including: the Republican Ward 4 committee, the Springfield Preservation Trust,  the N.A.A.C.P., McKnight Neighborhood Council, Uptown Construction and Western Mass COSH, National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Trustees of Reservations, and the American Institute of Building Design.  

Mr. Gaby is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Bonita Faye Dillard-Gaby of Springfield, MA, his five beautiful daughters: Alison Opal-Jean (Gaby) Jia of Searingtown, Long Island, Lauren Elizabeth Gaby of South Norwalk, Connecticut, Margaret Gaby of New York City, Lydia Faye Gaby of Los Angeles, California, and Dorothy Pauline Gaby of Springfield, MA. He is also survived by his son-in-law, Roy Jia, two grandchildren, Ruby and Hudson Jia, his mother-in-law, Mrs. Opal Jean (Gray) Dillard of Springfield, his sister Margaret (Gaby) Kinney of Hopkinton, MA, his sister, Paula Gaby, of Hadley, MA and well as many other loving relatives and friends.  He will be very deeply missed.

The funeral service will be private. The public Memorial Service at a later date in the Fall. 

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