LUDLOW, Vt. – The Rev. Dr. David J. Armstrong, 80, died Sept. 8, 2026, at the Gill Odd Fellows Home in Ludlow, Vt. He was born Jan. 2, 1946, in Oak Park, Ill., and grew up in Elmhurst, Ill. He was the son of John Sr. and Ann (Seidel) Armstrong.
He attended Immaculate Conception School, grades 1-12, in Elmhurst. He graduated from Meadville Theological School of Lombard College in 1984, with a Master of Arts from the divinity school. He received his doctorate degree at the University of Chicago.
On Oct. 5, 2002, he married Deborah Farnum in Chester, Vt.
David served churches in Seattle, Wash.; Michigan; Alabama; Maine; New Jersey; and Vermont. While serving in Maine, David read “Mere Christianity” by C. S. Lewis and was committed to being a more serious Christian. He enjoyed reading, walking, and hiking.
He is survived by his wife, Deborah; and his siblings Paul (Cynthia), Daniel (Annette), Margaret (Jeff), Thomas (Colleen), Lou (Tom), and Ellen. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Sara Spoor and Charlotte Gomo, plus several nieces and nephews.
David was predeceased by his parents; his first wife, Sarah Lee “Nettie” Frierson; and his brother John Armstrong Jr.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m., at the Andover Community Church in Andover, Vt.
Contributions in David’s memory can be made to the Andover Community Church or the Pregnancy Center of the Upper Valley.
Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt., is assisting with the arrangements.