Honoring Father David Gentry-Akin's Legacy

Hello,

My name is Janet Gentry. I am Father David Gentry-Akin’s sister and last living sibling. He passed on Sunday, August 18, 2024. He worked for the Catholic Diocese of Stockton, California, as well as St. Mary’s Catholic College for 30+ years. Most recently, he was working with the Sisters of Solidarity in South Sudan and the Betta Pontifical College in Rome, Italy. I am trying to raise funds to complete all of his final arrangements as well as give him a proper headstone.

I first asked the bishop of his diocese to assist me in this, but I was told that due to his choice in burial location—next to our mother in Eureka Springs, AR—they were unable to help. It is their policy to help only those priests who are buried within their diocese’s cemetery. So, in order for them to help, they require that he be buried thousands of miles from his biological family.

My brother was involved in the Catholic faith for as long as I can remember, leaving home at 18 to join the Brothers of the Holy Eucharist. He went on to complete his PhD in theology and taught English language, faith, and educational courses for over 30 years at St. Mary’s Catholic College in Moraga, CA. He was 12 years my senior and served not only as my brother but also my father for the first seven years of my life. I was a latch-key kid, born to a mother who refused to abort me upon my father's demand.

My brother was my first best friend, my mentor, and my beacon for the good in all people. I miss him terribly. We worked together to care for our mother the last ten years of her life to avoid having to place our beautiful mom in some assisted living or nursing facility. The cause of his death is unknown. I am still waiting for a final death certificate. He was 70 with onset diabetes and a horrible sweet tooth. I’m sure that it played a role in his death as he did not always follow his dietary guidelines. He gave his whole life to others and would still be giving today if he were still with us. Sadly, he now only resides on earth in mine and thousands of others' minds from memories of all the lives he was able to affect. He was loved by many from all around the world. Any help in this will be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Janet Gentry