On a crisp July afternoon, the Sioux Falls Chargers baseball team converged at Carnegie Town Hall, not to compete on the diamond but to pay tribute to a man whose influence stretched far beyond the sport. David Barranco, a former city councilor and one‑time candidate for South Dakota state auditor, had died earlier that week after a battle with stage IV cancer, and the team saw an opportunity to blend remembrance with the normalcy of the game they loved.
A Life of Public Service and Family
Barranco’s career was marked by a steadfast commitment to transparency and accountability. As chair of the city’s audit committee, he helped shape policies that kept municipal finances in check, and his brief foray into the state auditor race showcased a desire to serve at a higher level. Though he withdrew from the contest after his diagnosis, the respect he earned from colleagues like former Governor Dennis Daugaard was evident in the tributes that followed.
Friends and family highlighted his role as a devoted father. Christopher and William Barranco, his two sons, were front and center during the ceremony, receiving accolades for their politeness and respect — qualities they said were inherited from their father. The emotional moment peaked when William took the mound to deliver a ceremonial first pitch, a gesture that linked the baseball field with the memory of his dad.
The Tournament and Community Support
The tribute coincided with the South Dakota VFW State Baseball tournament, where the Chargers had just secured second place. While the team celebrated that achievement, the focus shifted to honoring Barranco’s legacy. Rich Merkouris, a fellow council member, presented an honorary flag to Catherine Barranco, David’s widow, symbolizing the community’s gratitude and solidarity.
Beyond the ceremony, the gathering served a practical purpose: providing a sense of normalcy for the Barranco family during a period of profound loss. Attendees, including city officials such as Paul TenHaken and local educators like Amy Lauck, expressed that the shared experience helped bridge the gap between personal grief and communal resilience.
Remembering a Lasting Impact
As the event drew to a close, speakers reflected on Barranco’s belief in engagement and respect for others — a philosophy that resonated with both teammates and civic leaders. The Chargers, still riding the momentum of their tournament run, dedicated their upcoming games to the memory of a man who had become a quiet but steadfast pillar of Sioux Falls.