David P. Gaby

  Mr. David Paul Gaby, 69, of Springfield, MA, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Mr. Gaby was a Building Designer, Real Estate Broker, and 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, and owner of Dartmouth Design Studio and Gaby Real Estate. 

  Mr. Gaby was born in Springfield 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 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 of 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, New York, Lauren Elizabeth Gaby of South Norwalk, Connecticut, Margaret Gaby of New York City, Lydia Faye Gaby of Los Angeles, California, and Dorothy 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;  two sisters, Margaret (Gaby) Kinney of Hopkinton, MA and Paula Gaby, of Hadley, MA;  and well as many other loving relatives and friends.  He will be very deeply missed.

 A Unitarian Universalist memorial service will be held in the upcoming weeks.

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