David J. Schofield: Vietnam Veteran, Youth Coach, and Arizona Water Steward Remembered

The Arizona community is mourning the loss of a man whose quiet dedication left an indelible mark on everyone he touched. David J. Schofield, a devoted father, decorated Vietnam veteran, and longtime steward of Arizona’s natural resources, passed away on March 12, 2024, at the age of 78. He has rejoined his beloved late wife, Sharon, according to the obituary documented in Screenshot (550).png. The news has touched many across Phoenix and beyond.

A Life Rooted in Service and Family

David J. Schofield, born July 23, 1945, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was more than just a familiar face in Phoenix. He was a proud alumnus of Brophy College Preparatory, a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, and a man who dedicated decades to preserving the environment and supporting the community he called home. His passing has prompted an outpouring of respect from those who knew him. The obituary, shared online on March 20, 2024, highlights a life built on service, sports, and family. With five children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, his legacy is as much about people as it is about the land he helped protect.

From Iowa to Arizona: The Early Years

Long before David became a pillar of the Arizona community, he was a young boy from the Midwest. His parents, G. Harold and Margaret Schofield, raised him in Cedar Rapids, but the family soon packed up and headed to the arid beauty of Arizona. That move would shape his future in profound ways. In Arizona, David discovered a deep connection to the land and a passion for community. He attended Brophy College Preparatory in Phoenix, graduating with the class of 1963. Brophy, a prominent Jesuit institution that has produced generations of leaders, became the foundation for his lifelong commitment to service.

A Love Story That Lasted

While building his roots in Arizona, David met a young woman named Sharon Cosgrove. Their connection was immediate and enduring. In 1970, they married, beginning a partnership that would weather the challenges of military service, parenthood, and life’s unpredictable turns. Sharon eventually passed away, leaving David to carry on without his partner. Yet, as Screenshot (550).png poignantly notes, David’s passing on March 12, 2024, means he has “joined his late wife Sharon.” For his family, that reunion offers a measure of comfort in a heartbreaking moment.

Vietnam Veteran and Youth Coach

David’s commitment to service was never performative. In 1969, he served as a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, a role that defined his generation and shaped his worldview. The discipline and resilience he brought back from Vietnam carried into every corner of his life. Back home in Arizona, David became known as a coach and mentor. He spent countless hours coaching youth team sports, helping young athletes build character, confidence, and a sense of teamwork. He also showed up relentlessly for community events, rarely missing an opportunity to support local initiatives.

Champion of Arizona’s Natural Resources

Environmental stewardship was another cornerstone of David’s legacy. In an era when Arizona’s water security and natural landscapes are increasingly precious, David collaborated with the State of Arizona and numerous organizations to preserve the region’s natural resources. His work was a quiet but determined effort to protect the environment for future generations. This was not a side hobby; it was a passion. From water conservation to land preservation, David understood that Arizona’s beauty and survival depended on mindful stewardship. His efforts aligned with a broader statewide commitment to tackle the challenges of a fast-growing desert region.

Decades of Leadership at Adaman Water

David’s dedication to Arizona’s resources was perhaps best exemplified by his role at Adaman Water Company. For more than 35 years, he served as an executive there, guiding the organization through periods of growth and change. His leadership at the water company was an extension of his broader belief that access to clean, reliable water is fundamental to a thriving community. In a state where water is arguably the most critical asset, David’s tenure at Adaman Water positioned him as an important figure in the region’s infrastructure. His steady hand and long-term vision left the organization stronger and more resilient.

A Legacy of Giving Back

When the family made arrangements for memorial donations, they did not choose randomly. They honored David’s life and values by selecting causes that mattered to him:

• St. Jude’s Research Hospital
• The Phoenix VA
• Brophy College Preparatory
• KBACH Radio

Each of these organizations speaks to a different aspect of David’s life — from his military service to his education, his love of the arts, and his compassion for children in need. It is a significant, deeply personal selection that tells its own story.

Service Details: A Final Goodbye

David’s service will be held in the Chapel at Brophy College Preparatory, located at 4701 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012, on April 5, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The choice of venue is a poignant tribute to his alma mater, the place where his journey as a Phoenix leader began. As family, friends, and community members gather to say their farewells, they will undoubtedly remember David as a coach, a veteran, a brother, a husband, and a beloved father. But most of all, as his family said, “He will always be a sweet man in our hearts.” The world lost a remarkable soul on March 12, but David J. Schofield’s impact will be felt in the classrooms, sports fields, water systems, and natural landscapes of Arizona for generations.

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