Remembering David Sao

Dear Friends,

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we write to inform you that our beloved friend and colleague, David Sao, passed away in his sleep over Christmas. We were informed of this devastating news last Friday morning and are still in a state of shock. As many of you know, David was an integral part of the formation and ongoing shaping of the mission and vision of The Culture Project. David’s creative genius was an invaluable gift to this mission and our ability to stay on the cutting edge of reaching and transforming the hearts and souls of future generations. He loved this mission dearly and he poured his heart and soul into it.

David’s warm and winsome personality along with his deep faith, generous love of others–and infectious laugh–transformed anyone who interacted with him into life-long and treasured friends. We already miss him dearly and his loss will leave a massive hole in our hearts. 

David’s funeral will be on Saturday, January 4 at The Cathedral Basilica of Sts. Peter and Paul, 1723 Race Street in Philadelphia. Viewing will take place from 9:00 am to 11:00 am followed by the funeral Mass at 11 am. There will also be visitation on Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Geitner-Givnish Funeral Home, 6230 N. 5th St, Philadelphia. For those unable to attend in person, the Mass will be livestreamed. Please contact the funeral home for the live stream link. Condolences and flowers can be sent to Geitner-Givnish Funeral Home.

Please join us in praying for the repose of David’s soul and for his grieving family, friends, and co-workers. As one of the Archbishops The Culture Project serves said in response to David’s death, “The Lord came to be with us so that He could take us to be with Him. May the Savior welcome David to his eternal home.”

Yours in Jesus Christ,

Cristina (Barba) Whalen
Founder and Board President

Greg Schleppenbach
CEO