AMHERST -David Alexander Semon passed away on Nov. 12, 2009.

David was born in Boston on Aug. 13, 1959. His parents, Ralph and Mary Semon, raised David and his younger sister, Jennifer, in Lexington. David attended the Unitarian nursery school and kindergarten, and then went on through the Lexington school system until his graduation from Lexington High School in 1977. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in early childhood education at Tufts University in 1981. Throughout his career David's focus was on children and adults with special needs.

These interests led him to western Massachusetts. His first job there was in Easthampton at Riverside Industries Inc., whose mission is "empowering people with disabilities." After 10 years at Riverside, David went on to earn his master's degree in special education at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in 1997. A long time Amherst resident, he taught children with special needs at several of the public schools in the area.

David's interests included traveling, reading, gardening, animals, nature, swimming, tennis, music and movies. As important as his interests was his talent in sharing them using his extraordinary memory and quick wit. But David's greatest pleasure was being in the company of his devoted family and supportive community of good friends. He could always be counted on for an entertaining story, recommendations and reviews of the latest books and movies, and a well-flipped burger on the grill.

David is survived by his mother, Mary; sister and brother-in- law, Jennifer and Michael Wallace; aunt, Florence Girgosian; loving companion, Rebecca Savage; and his extended family of dear friends.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. at the First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road, Lexington. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Private interment will be in Westview Cemetery, Bedford. Donations may be made in Dave's name to the Amherst Conservation Commission, care of David Ziomek, Town Hall, 4 Boltwood Ave., Amherst, MA 01002.