David Larry Larson, 83, passed away on February 25, 2026, at Morristown Medical Center. Born in Bagley, Minnesota, of Norwegian immigrant parents and grandparents who settled in the United States in the late1800s.
He graduated from Indiana State University in 1969 with a Master’s Degree in Music with a concentration on trumpet, and minor in Vocal and Education.
David also started working on a Doctorate in Music for additional 3 years.
He started working as a contracted Trumpet player for the NJ Symphony Orchestra in 1969, and for 54 years until his retirement on August 31, 2023.
David's passions and interests beside the orchestra were; travelling, photography, cooking, family and great friendships. Among places he loved the most, were travels with his family to the Hawaiian Islands, as Kauai as the favorite. He got the biggest gift in his life when he later in life become a father to his newborn daughter Gabrielle. They formed strong loving bonds through the years. David was a warm and deeply committed father, and was also a dedicated music teacher for Gabrielle in cello. Through the years David had many high-school students from local high schools, and several continued music as their Major college degree, there among being accepted at Julliard School (NY), and other leading universities in US.
David was a humble and loving friend to so many. He always took time for others, following up and always with great interest in listening and understanding. He was a person of great integrity, with a focus on being present in every moment in life. As he always said; "Life happens in every small moment, and that's were we are creators". He approached every situation in life with a calm and open mind, and was brilliant turning challenging situations to closed ones, into gifts and opportunities. He and Mona (mother of Gabrielle) considered themselves as partners in life, and the three of them were a loving family, sharing everyday life, travels and family reunions in Norway.
Writing, and composing beautiful cards to others were something David also favored. On one of his latest Valentines cards to Gabrielle and Mona, he put into the card a quote from A.A. Milne author of Winnie The Pooh: "If there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart: I'll stay there forever". "David you are with us today and everyday, forever in our hearts, yours truly" - Gabrielle and Mona.
David is survived by his former wife, Mona Salminen, and his daughter, Gabrielle Wenona Salminen Larson, as well as nieces and nephews, Beret, Laura and Eric. He was predeceased by his brother, Leroy Larson.
Arrangements are under the care of Dangler Funeral Home, Morris Plains, NJ.