David Michael Sebastian

David Michael Sebastian, of Palm Springs, California, passed away at home on September 15, 2025, at the age of 78. He was born on June 18, 1947, in San Antonio, Texas. David died at home with his husband Steve and their dog Maxine beside him, after a valiant fight against cancer.

David built a life marked by intelligence, humor, style, and deep devotion to the people and pursuits he loved. He attended Central High School, continued his studies at the University of Texas at Arlington, and later earned his Masters degree in Library Science from California State University at Fullerton. He went on to serve for 30 years retiring with the City of Redondo Beach Library system, after a long and meaningful career. As a reference librarian, David was admired for his remarkable command of knowledge and for the way he could always find an answer. To those who knew him well, that gift became part of his legend. One family memory captures him perfectly: after a round of Trivial Pursuit, he jokingly asked, “What’s so difficult about this?! It’s too easy!” It was said with the wit and confidence that made him so unmistakably himself.

David brought that same brilliance and care into everyday life. He was a very funny man, someone whose presence lifted a room. He loved to garden, and he delighted in travel, turning every trip into an experience to savor. The team of David and Steve were the ones that made sure the tickets were purchased, the hotel reservations confirmed, and the best restaurants and most exciting places to visit already chosen. David was wonderfully organized, always prepared, and, by many accounts, the best-dressed person in the room.

Most of all, David will be remembered for the life he shared with his husband, Steven “Steve” LaPlante. David and Steve were together for more than 25 years and were married at San Francisco City Hall in 2014, a joyful milestone in a long and loving partnership. That enduring bond was at the heart of David’s life.

He is survived by his husband, Steven LaPlante; his sister, Marilyne Ayers and his many friends and family. He also leaves behind the love and companionship of his dog, Maxine, who remained by his side at the end. David’s memory lives on in the laughter he inspired, the care he showed, and the many journeys, conversations, and shared moments that will continue to be treasured.

He was preceded in death by his father, J B Sebastian (1987), and his mother, Evelyne L. McHenry Sebastian (2004). His father served his country in the United States Air Force, retiring after 30 years of service.

David Michael Sebastian will be remembered with great affection and gratitude—for his sharp mind, his generous spirit, his impeccable sense of order and style, and the joy he brought to those fortunate enough to know and love him.

He will be missed.