David was born in New York City on June 14, 1925, having spent most of his childhood there, traveling several times to Germany, Italy and France in the 1930's aboard the zeppelins. He was educated by the Jesuits at Fordham University.

His university career was interrupted by WWII, and joined the U.S. Navy as an organist and choir director. At the end of the war, he returned to academia and earned a bachelor's degree in history, followed by a Master of Arts. He moved to Canada and was professor of History and Political Science at College Militaire Royal Saint -Jean (CMR) from 1963 to his retirement in 1988. David moved to Victoria British Columbia for his retirement years.

David was the Society's President in 1992 - 1993, past President of the Laurentian Branch, a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulcher and Knight Commander of the Order of Saint Lazarus.
 
 

Honours and awards

• Professor Emeritus, College Militaire Royal de Saint-Jean, 1963-88
• 1977 Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal
• 1992 Canada 125 Medal