Funeral arrangements have been set for the fallen Yorktown soldier, Spc. David Richard Fahey, Jr. who was killed while on patrol in Afghanistan on Monday, Feb. 28. 

His uncle Tom Fahey issued a statement today, which was released to the media through Joint Base Lewis McChord in Washington state.

"David was a funny, honest and trusted friend to many," he said. "His smile would light up a room. He had a quick wit and was always ready with a joke or funny story."

That's what many of David Fahey's friends said throughout the week, saying they'll remember him as a man who was able to make people smile, bring laughter into every situation, and as someone people could count on.

David was born in Norwalk, Conn. His uncle and aunt Tom and Fran Fahey, adopted him and his siblings, Phyllis and Nicholas, when he was a child. The couple also has four biological children — Brianna, Tyler, Samantha and Blake. His cousins became his siblings. Three children currently attend Yorktown High School. David Fahey attended Faith Preparatory School in New Milford, Conn. 

An avid snowboarder, Fahey loved football, soccer, fast cars and the New York Yankees.

"He was a much loved family member to many aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents," Tom Fahey said. "He was a hero to his country and his family. David was a man of uncompromising integrity who served both God and country."

Dan O'Brien, Jr., a close friend of Fahey's, said it was his "calling" to join the army. The young soldier was due to come home in June and wanted to become a police officer. 

According to the Dept. of Defense, Pfc. David R. Fahey, Jr., 23,  died of injuries suffered when insurgents attacked his unit in Kandahar province using an improvised explosive device.

He was assigned to the 170th Military Police Company, 504th Military Police Battalion, 42nd Military Police Brigade, at Joint Base Lewis McChord. His unit deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in June, 2010.

"The town of Yorktown is deeply saddened by the loss of one of our own soldiers," Yorktown councilman Vishnu Patel said. His son, Lt. Amit Patel, is a Black Hawk helicopter pilot who was deployed to Afghanistan last month. 

"Spc. David Fahey, Jr. was a brave American who paid the ultimate sacrifice and we are forever grateful for his service to our country and for his bravery in war," he added. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones during this immensely difficult time."

The wake will be held at the Yorktown Funeral Home, 945 East Main St. in Shrub Oak. Viewing hours are 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at St. Patrick’s Church, 137 Moseman Ave. in Yorktown Heights. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Putnam Valley.

The 504th MP Brigade will conduct a unit memorial ceremony for the military community at Joint Base Lewis McChord. A date for that ceremony has not yet been set.

David has been awarded the Bronze Star for service, the Purple Heart, and the Combat Action Badge. He was posthumously promoted to Specialist, a rank just above Private First Class. 

"He will be forever missed and forever in our hearts," Tom Fahey said.