David S. Harvis

David S. Harvis, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the age of 79 at the Medstar Hospital in Baltimore. For nearly 50 years, David provided much respected legal and business counsel to a wide range of clients, specializing in the field of general civil and criminal practice. He had trials in state and federal courts involving corporate, business, real estate, zoning, personal injury, administrative, natural gas and energy, computer, health care, military, family, domestic violence, divorce and bankruptcy law. David was born and raised in Arlington Virginia. He attended Yorktown High School (1962) and then the University of Georgia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree (1968). He went on to the University of Baltimore Law School where he obtained his Juris Doctor (1975). He was president of the Evening Bar Association from 1974-1976. He was also a member of the staff of University of Baltimore Law Review, 1973-1975 and the recipient of the Outstanding Advocate Award in 1974. In 1975, David received the Dean Joseph Curtis Award. He was admitted to the Maryland State Bar, United States District Court, District of Maryland in 1976 and was a member of the Howard County and Maryland State Bar Committee on General Practice. In 1973, David and wife Karen moved to Columbia, Maryland, where they raised their two children, Michael and Tracy, and commenced his legal career in Columbia. David worked as an insurance adjuster during law school and shortly after graduation. Upon passing the Bar in 1976, he worked in a law partnership with Joseph Wase. In 1984, David became one of the founding partners in the Columbia, Maryland law firm of Becker, Spahn, Harvis, Fila & Colt. In 1989, the firm of Gelman, Spahn, Harvis, Colt, Broida, Greenberg & Landolt was created. This firm ultimately became Spahn, Harvis, Greenberg & Broida. Subsequently David worked with Hodes, Ulman, Pessin & Katz P.A. After a brief retirement and move to Costa Rica (2013-2015) David returned to a solo practice in Columbia. He was an active member of the Howard County Bar Association, serving on the Board of Directors (1994-2001); Secretary (1996-1997); Treasurer (1997-1998); and President (1999-2000). He also participated in the Maryland State Bar Association Board of Governors (2000-2002). From 1993-1995 David was President of Columbia Jewish Congregation and remained an active member in the congregation. Among David’s many activities, both civic and personal, he loved all sports, and was Captain of the Howard County Recreation and Parks softball team, named “Justice.” While growing up in Arlington, Virginia, David was an avid fan of the Washington Redskins. When he moved to Maryland, he switched allegiances and became a Baltimore Colts fan. In 1996, the Colts became the Ravens and David spent many years as a season ticket holder to the Ravens games, along with his Ravens crew. The family loved the beach and the ocean, and traveled to many island locations including the Bahama’s and Virgin Islands and the beaches of Sarasota, Fl and Manhattan Beach, CA, to visit his family on both coasts. The move to Costa Rica was a culmination of his dream to live on the water. The annual Super Bowl Party was David’s signature event, which combined football, great friends and fabulous food. There was a TV in every room of the house, so no-one would miss a moment of the game. Often, David could be found during the party doing magic for the children and grand-children who joined this annual fete. David was born in Wilkes Barre, PA to Dr. Jules and Betty Harvis. He is survived by his wife, Karen, son, Michael Harvis (wife Krissy, daughters Everlee, London and McKenzie) and daughter, Tracy MacDonald (husband Ryan, daughter, Meleah and son, Logan); sisters, Nancy Harvis Miller (husband, James) and Deborah Purcell (husband, Bruce) and brother-in-law, Ronald Starr. There will be a service and celebration of David’s life on Saturday, August 9, 2025. The Wilde Lake Interfaith Center 10431 Twin Rivers Road Columbia, Md 21044 Room 4 5:00pm-8:00pm Condolences may be sent to: Karen Harvis & Family 10400 Swiftstream Place #202 Columbia, Maryland 21044 In lieu of flowers the family requests: Donations in David’s name may be sent to the Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation donate.jimmymillerfoundation.org or sent to: The Jimmy Miller Memorial Foundation, 2006 N Sepulveda Blvd. #331, Manhattan Beach, CA. 90266 – Note: Donation/David Harvis The foundation is dedicated to David’s beloved nephew, Jimmy Miller, who passed away twenty years ago, and helps heal mental and physical trauma through Ocean Therapy and surfing.

David S. Harvis

October 24, 1945 - May 16, 2025