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David P. Twomey’s Facebook page is flooded with messages of sadness, disbelief and memories of the life, laughter and experiences he shared with those he met.

Mr. Twomey, who died Tuesday at age 27 from complications from H1N1, or swine flu virus, was remembered by his family and friends Thursday as a compassionate, kind and dedicated man who sought to make a difference.

A friend on Facebook wrote, “David you have been one of my closest friends for the past eight years. I love you and can’t wait to see you again!”

His professor and mentor wrote, “David was one of the most talented, dedicated, loyal and promising students I have ever encountered. He was and is an inspiration to all of us who have a passion for politics, and who believe in the promise of public diplomacy. I was blessed to have him as a student and as a graduate assistant. He lit up the lives of all of us who were lucky to know him in his all too brief time with us.”

A 2001 graduate of Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine, Mr. Twomey pursued his love of new media and politics at Gannon University in Erie, Pa., graduating in 2005. He received his master’s degree in organizational and political communications in 2006 from Emerson College in Boston.

Mr. Twomey moved to the Washington, D.C., area in 2007. He worked for the Environmental Protection Agency before taking a position as operations coordinator for digital media services for the U.S. Federal Courts Office of Public Affairs.

His father, David Twomey Jr., said part of his son’s job was to improve communications within the judicial branch and to increase its profile in the community.

Mr. Twomey improved the courts’ communications and e-mail systems, and educators used their Web site as a teaching tool, his father said.

“He knew what he wanted to do in the seventh grade. He designed his first Web site in eighth grade for his elementary school,” his father said.

“Dave was outgoing and very upbeat. He always had a can-do type attitude that inspired and energized people. … He looked at his work as a way of serving his country. Family, God and country – it sounds kind of trite, but it’s the kind of person Dave was. His aspiration was to do whatever he could to make this world a better place.”

Mr. Twomey had a close relationship with his brother Bill Twomey of Philadelphia, his brother said.

“He was so passionate about everything. He had so much energy and lived each day like it was his last. In his work and social life, he gave 100 percent of himself,” his brother said.

Mr. Twomey worked for his uncle, Peter Cianchette, on his gubernatorial campaign.

Cianchette said they shared a common interest in public service, politics and public policy that brought them closer together.

“He was so compassionate. He was so kind to everyone, whether it was family, friends, or someone he just met. That was Dave,” Cianchette said.

“We were constantly sharing our ideas. He was a great communicator and loved the newest technologies that were available. He had a lot of fun with them. Our loss of David is immeasurable.”

Mr. Twomey became ill June 24. Shortly after, his parents flew to Virginia to see him.

Lab results confirmed he tested positive for H1N1 virus, strep throat and a staph infection.

Deborah Twomey said Thursday that her son was a leader who cared passionately about those he associated with.

“The impact that he made in 27 years was incredible. We knew he was a special guy, but when something like this happens, it’s so comforting to know how much he was loved,” his mother said.

“He had such charisma. He lit up a room. People were drawn to him. He left such an impression on people. We are a family of strong faith, and we will get through this. We are thankful we had 27 years with him.”

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