David Anthony Katz

David Anthony Katz, 55, of Bowie, Maryland, Parts Manager of Rockmont Chevrolet and Ourisman Ford for over 30 years, passed away unexpectedly on September 12th at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. David grew up in Brentwood, Maryland where his parents taught him core values: the love of family, the value of hard work, and independence through self-sufficiency and self-reliance. David attended Saint James Catholic School in Mount Rainier, Maryland. When Saint James closed in 1972, David transferred to Mount Rainer Junior High. After graduating from Northwestern Senior High School with honors in 1978, David continued his education at Prince George's Community College. For David, family comes first. David raised three children: David Jr, Kimberly, and Mary Katherine. A dedicated father and provider, a loyal husband and employee, David successfully balanced time with his family and extended family at work. From modest beginnings, David exceled in his profession and won numerous awards over his career. In the summer of 1994, David met the "Love of his Life", Charlene Marie Dowdell at Ourisman Ford. After a long courtship, two broken hearts, mended together, married on October 22, 2005; their love continued to flourish. David is the second son, of the late William Spaulding and Doris Beckert Katz. His father was a committed member of the Carpenters Local #132 and served in Army during the conclusion of World War II. His mother was a loyal and dedicated civil servant with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and received numerous awards, one of which was a Departmental Honor Award for her participation in the Persian Gulf War. His brother, Decorated Retired Sergeant First Class William Michael Katz, honorably served in Vietnam. David's maternal grandfather, Paul Joseph Beckert, served in WWII and was a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserves. David's paternal grandfather, Abraham Jacob Katz, served in WWI. David was the great-great grandson of Brigadier General Joseph Gerhardt, who formed the first volunteer group to protect the District of Columbia at the onset of the Civil War. He was a delegate to President Lincoln and a staff assistant of General Ulysses S. Grant. David was the great grandson of Julius Independence Gerhardt, who was born on the Fourth of July. Predeceased by his brother, Retired Sergeant First Class William Michael Katz, his sister, Beverly Marie Clokey, and his brother, Paul Joesph Katz. Survivors include his beloved wife, Charlene M. Katz, two sons, Michael P. Benton, of Windsor Mill, and David A. Katz, Jr., of Bowie; three daughters, Dara K. Benton, of North Hampton, MA, Kimberly A. Katz, of Lanham, and Mary Katherine E. Katz, of Hyattsville; two brothers, Gregory T. Katz, of Laurel, and Thaddeus J. Katz, of Odenton; five sisters, Deborah K. Pueschel, of Jacksonville, FL, Sandra L. Katz, of Gambrills, Janice L. Rokos, of New Carrollton, Lorraine K. Katz, of Gambrills, and Linda D. Roudebush, of Elkridge; three grandchildren, Antonio, Michael Jr., and Jaden, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.