David Allen Wilford passed away on Feb. 19, 2025, at the age of 56, after a 12-year battle with brain cancer.
Born on Aug. 26, 1968, Dave was the youngest of four siblings. He was a wonderful man, a devoted father, a soulmate to his wife of 31 years, a respected and talented lawyer, a great friend, a mentor to many, and a light in the lives of even more. Dave ran a boutique law firm, Wilford LLC, which he led with integrity and determination.
Dave was always giving back to the world around him, including establishing scholarships to help students from his high school in Eldridge and Harper Community College, donating to countless charities, and coaching. Dave had a way of making all he interacted with feel like the best versions of themselves, as well as valued and supported. He had a light inside of him that drew people to him, but it was his compassionate, joyful, and understanding nature that truly captured people.
Dave’s laughter could brighten any day and any room.
He is survived by the love of his life, Denise Claire Wilford, his two children, Connor and Riley Wilford, as well as his mother, Dorothy Wilford, his brothers, Larry and Bill Wilford, and his sister Debbie Aisenbrey. His legacy will always be the love he put out into the world, and how many lives he bettered just by existing. He was, and always will be, loved beyond measure. May we all try to honor his memory through kindness, laughter, and loving completely, without reservations or burden.
A private family cremation will take place, as that was what he wished for before he passed. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 29, at the Barrington White House, 145 West Main Street, Barrington, Ill. The event will be open house style, with appetizers provided. Dress in whatever Dave would have liked to see you in.
The family would appreciate donations to the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) in lieu of flowers.
To RSVP for the celebration of life, please email celebratedavewilford@gmail.com.
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