David Wright-Hammer

David Carl Wright-Hammer, passed away at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, IL on Monday, October 9th, 2023. He was born September 24th, 1983, in Munster, IN at Community Hospital to Stephen and Denese (Golumbeck) Wright. He was the youngest of 3 children, survived by his brother, Stephen Wright, and sister, Pamela Wright. He graduated from Morton Senior High School and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Computer Programming from Purdue University and a Master of Technology Education from Ball State University. He married the love of his life, Emily (Hammer), in March 2008 at Wicker Park in Highland, IN. Dave and Emily have two beautiful children, Cameron Alexander and Avery Jane. Fatherhood was his greatest accomplishment, and he took on the role of Dad with equal parts earnestness and joy. Dave was a devoted father who instilled in his children a strong sense of self. He loved sharing childhood stories with the kids and taking them on adventures to the playground and arcade. The spirit of mentoring and stewardship also extended to Dave's professional life. As a Senior Manager of Product Owners at Discover Financial Services, he enjoyed supervising a diverse group of creative and technical professionals. He always spoke highly of his team and wanted only the best for them in their careers; finding ways to support and mentor them was one of the things he loved most about his job. Prior to his time at Discover, Dave taught Technology for 5 years at Thea Bowman Academy in Gary, IN. He was a compassionate teacher who cared deeply about the wellbeing and education of his students. Dave's wide-ranging interests exemplified his curious mind, his huge heart, and his zeal for engaging with the people around him. He authored the sci-fi/fantasy novels Between Two Minds: Awakening and Between Two Minds: Revelation. He played the drums and started a YouTube channel for independent authors. He was passionate about social justice. He loved a good bourbon and Sunday football, especially if Da Bears were playing. He was quick-witted, and fatherhood gave him a free pass to become the "punniest" guy anyone knew. David is survived by his loving stepmother Doris Wright; stepsister Tammy (Jerry) Robideau; nephew Jeff (Tabitha) Piekarczyk and children Damon and Marley; nephew Steve Wright III; nieces Taylor Piekarczyk and Victoria (Allyson) Saint Connor; father- and mother-in-law David and Sandy Hammer; sisters-in-law Heather (Bryan) Hammer and Laura (Dan) Hammer, brother-in-law Bill Hammer, nephews Barrett Webster and Gavin Hammer, and niece Charlotte Hammer. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his stepbrother Tim Steuart, aunt Barbara (Golumbeck) Grimmer, and uncle Frank Wright.

David Wright-Hammer

September 24, 1983 - October 9, 2023