David Peikoff was born in Poltava, Russia, in 1900; he was the fifth child of fifteen kids. He lost his hearing in his pursuit of education. He snuck away from his home when he was five to follow two older sisters to school. He got lost in a blizzard, and then he became frozen and unconscious. Found hours later, he developed a fever afterward and lost his hearing. A short while later, his family emigrated to Canada, Winnipeg, to be exact. He attended Manitoba School for the Deaf in Winnipeg until he was 17, then he quit school to go to a linotype school in Chicago. After a series of jobs, he decided to attend Gallaudet College at the ripe age of 24, the oldest Preparatory student enrolled.

He was president of Gallaudet College Alumni Association when a Centennial Fund was proposed in 1960 before Gallaudet College’s 100th anniversary in 1964. Upon approval of the motion, a tireless worker was needed to campaign for the drive. They did not have to look hard to find one, as he was there, the President of GCAA, David Peikoff. He resigned as a president of GCAA to focus on the drive. He and his wife traveled thousands of miles for six years campaigning for pledges and cash donations. He succeeded beyond everyone’s expectations as he raised $500,000. In June 1967, the fund was officially given to Gallaudet College to build an Alumni House, financial assistance for deaf students of doctoral degrees, and promoting cultural activities for deaf people. Peikoff received two honorary degrees from Gallaudet College. In 1950, he got the Honorary Master’s degree. Then he got another honorary degree, a Doctorate in 1957.

In 1961, he moved to the United States and lived in Maryland. During his residence, he worked at Gallaudet College until his retirement on June 30, 1970. He suffered a stroke in 1971, but he still worked hard. He co-wrote the Gallaudet Almanac with Jack Gannon and Hans Dieter-Baumert, published in 1974. He died in his sleep on January 28, 1995.