David Avicenna Matzilevich passed away peacefully at Lancaster General Hospital on July 19th, 2025 in the company of his loving family. He was 70.

The son of Dr. Benjamin and Catherine Matzilevich, Dave was born in Natick, Massachusetts where he grew up alongside five brothers and sisters. While he was a talented sportsman, Dave gravitated towards science from an early age. Inspired by his father, an acclaimed neurologist in the Middlesex community, Dave attended Texas Christian University to pursue a degree in biology. Fueled by a passion for international travel, he continued his studies at the Imperial College of London where he received his PhD in molecular biology.

Motivated by a desire to help those afflicted by neurological trauma, Dave moved back home to the US to begin an exciting career in research. Despite his devotion to his work, Dave was an extrovert who regularly used humor to engage his coworkers. He was a gregarious social butterfly, a natural public speaker, and a gravitating personality among those that knew him. Always up for an adventure, his work also gave him the opportunity to expand his passion for travel by visiting Russia, Germany, Algeria, Egypt, Greece, and Spain.

Dave’s interests extended beyond science. He loved movies, particularly Thor, The Dark Knight, Alien Vs Predator, and The Avengers. He enjoyed driving and never went anywhere without music. During long drives to visit family, he could often be heard singing along to Tom Petty, Counting Crows, U2, and Lenny Kravitz. Dave had a unique sense of style and was frequently the best dressed in any room. He could often be seen sporting his long green rain coat, black combat boots, and carefully selected suits. One of his favorite additions to his wardrobe was his Santa Clause tie. No one loved Christmas more than Dave and he made a dedicated effort to put on the best light display in the neighborhood every year.

In 2020, Dave’s career took him to Lancaster, Pennsylvania where he met his wife, Donna. Dave was comfortable wherever he went, but it was Donna who made Lancaster a home for him. They married in 2019 and enjoyed many simple pleasures such as movies, shopping, and travel. In 2023, they took a trip to the Bahamas. Donna then gave him the greatest gift he’d ever received by choosing to adopt a dachshund puppy named Oliver.

Dave is survived by his loving wife, Donna, his three daughters, Rebecca, Lucy, and Catherine, stepsons, Zach, Jordan, Tyler, and Colby, his brother, Sonny, his sisters, Cathy and Marion, his lifelong best friend, Larry, and his loyal pup, Oliver. Donations in his memory can be made out to Lancaster General Hospital to honor his life’s commitment to cognitive neuroscience. 

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