David Vuich, age 88, passed away peacefully on February 28, 2025. He was a former 30-year resident of Mathews County. A longtime resident of Alexandria, Virginia, he built a distinguished and trailblazing career of leadership across private industry, federal government, military service, entertainment, and the non-profit sectors. He leaves a legacy of immense contribution, remarkable achievement, and an imitable example of public life and service.
David is survived by his beloved wife, Ginger, of 39 years, and family in Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Germany, France, and Canada. He was predeceased by his sister, Leona J. “Mitzy” Vuich, R.N., and parents, Mitar (Mike) and Milka (Mildred) of the former Yugoslavia.
Born on August 30, 1936 in Midland, Pennsylvania, he excelled both academically and athletically in school. His natural aptitude for music revealed itself in high school, foreshadowing one of his many future career pursuits. He would later become an acclaimed professional classical and jazz musician.
David graduated with a Master’s in Business and Industrial Sciences from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cerritos College, California State University.
He served as a U.S. Air Force officer and aviator, gaining expertise that shaped his later career in senior executive roles across commercial and military aviation, Congress, the U.S. space program, and the defense and aerospace industry.
David held top executive positions at Aviation and Aerospace Management, Inc., Fairchild Republic, Execaire-A Seagram’s Company, Pan Am-Avions Marcel Dassault, and North American Aviation/Rockwell International.
In the U.S. House of Representatives, David served as a senior professional staff member and principal advisor to the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction, and senior advisor to the Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.
Earlier, David was a member of the legendary “Serbo 7 Apollo Space Launch Team,” the group of Serbian-American engineers supporting the Apollo 11 Lunar Landing project at NASA’s prime contractor, North American Aviation. This team was vital to the success of the historic U.S. moon landing mission in 1969. For his contributions, NASA awarded David its highest honors.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, David led and participated in numerous service initiatives and organizations.
From childhood, he remembered his Serbian immigrant father’s entreaty: “You are most fortunate to have been born an American; however, do not forget where your heart is from… always remember your Serbian heritage and help your people in need.” Not only did David uphold this sacred pledge, but he also magnified it throughout his life.
He was the most influential and recognizable Serbian-American leader in the diaspora and Serbian countries. In 1986, he founded and led the first Serbian-American Voters Alliance to amplify Serbian-American political influence. He served on the U.S.-Serbia Business Council board and was a Serbian National Federation member.
David strengthened political, economic, and cultural ties between the United States and Serbian countries while fostering cooperation in education, science, and technology.
The Republic of Serbia honored David on numerous occasions. In June 2023, he and his wife were guests of the Serbian government when he was awarded the prestigious Order of St. Sava, a civil decoration, recognizing his significant contributions to the sciences and to the Republic of Serbia.
Earlier, he received the Mother Serbia Award for humanitarianism from the Serbian Ambassador to the United States, as well as the Order of the Karadjordjevic Star, First Class, presented by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. David is only the second American to receive this prestigious honor, after General John J. Pershing of World War I fame.
For nearly seven decades, David was a Freemason, achieving the rank of 32nd Degree K.C.C.H. Master Mason. He joined through the Rapid City Lodge #25 under the Grand Lodge of South Dakota and was a member of the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia (Honorary); the Scottish Rite Consistory, Valley of Los Angeles; and the Al Malaikah Shrine Temple, Shriners Hospital. During his 2023 Belgrade visit, the Regular Grand Lodge of Serbia conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award and Medal of Honor. Earlier, David was commended with several other awards.
Also in Belgrade, the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Engineering awarded David its highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, for his outstanding service and contributions to science. The university also named its Robotics Laboratory in his honor. As part of this ceremony, the Union of Engineers and Technicians of Serbia awarded David its highest honor, the Golden Plaque Nikola Tesla for Lifetime Achievement, and granted him honorary membership. Tesla was its first member.
David chaired the Tesla Science Foundation, which recognized him with its Lifetime Achievement Award. The National Press Club honored him with two prestigious awards. The RFK Memorial Hospital of Los Angeles presented him with its Leadership and Loyalty Award, and the We Will Survive Cancer Foundation recognized him with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
He was also a proud member of the Air Force Association, American Legion, and the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
David and Ginger’s faith and marriage are centered in the Lord Jesus Christ, as members of the Serbian Orthodox Church. During their 2023 Belgrade visit, they renewed their marriage vows at the Church of St. Sava.
The Celebration of Life for David will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, at Demaine Funeral Home, located at 520 South Washington Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314. Please send tributes, memories, and condolences to the family at www.demainefuneralhomes.org.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in David’s name to the Serbian-American Medical Association, P.O. Box 204, Glen Echo, Maryland 20812.