David J. Shiroda

GILBERT – David J. Shiroda of Gilbert, AZ, died Monday, November 19, 2018, after a courageous war against brain cancer. Born on October 25, 1964, in Hammond, IN, David grew up in Baton Rouge, LA, as “big brother” to his four siblings who adored him. He graduated from Catholic High School and Louisiana State University. He worked for more than twenty years as the head of internal audit for Dillard’s Department Stores.

An avid LSU fan, David died wearing his beloved purple and gold. If a game was not on, David could be found enjoying the great outdoors, tinkering with something, or hunting for scorpions at night in his backyard --- a scorecard of which he kept affixed to the side of the refrigerator. A self-taught cook, David loved entertaining friends with an array of his southern culinary skills. He never met a fish he didn’t want to catch. David cherished his friends and family and they cherished him.

He is survived by his best friend and wife of 30 years, Cathy McDougall Shiroda; his parents, David and Virginia Shiroda of Baton Rouge, LA; his in-laws David and Margaret McDougall of Gilbert, AZ; his sisters Kathleen (Morris) Needham of Jackson MS; Anne (Kurt) Wadenpfuhl of Jacksonville, FL; Erin (Danny) Saurers of Franklin, TN; his brother John Shiroda of Baton Rouge, LA; his niece, Ainsley Saurers; and his nephews, Michael Needham, Luke Shiroda, Wesley Wadenpfuhl, Brad Wadenpfuhl, Christopher Wadenpfuhl, Eric Wadenpfuhl, and Cooper Saurers. He is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, John McDougall. He is also survived by dear friends, Tim White, Greg Smith, and Brendan Fogerty, whose love and compassion provided strength, and by his Dillard’s family for their continued support. The family wishes to thank Southland Hospice of Phoenix and Mayo of Phoenix for their care and assistance.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Western Skies in Gilbert, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mayo Clinic in memory of David J. Shiroda for brain cancer research. https://philanthropy.mayoclinic. org/donatemc