David Dandridge Emmerich

David Emmerich, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, passed away on March 12, 2026, at Frankfort Regional Medical Center in Frankfort, Kentucky. He was 75 years old.
Born in Rockville Centre, New York, David lived a life defined by curiosity, service, and a deep love for the natural world. His life's journey took him across the country, living in Ironia, New Jersey, Smiths Grove, Kentucky, and Lakebay, Washington, before settling in Versailles, Kentucky.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Teddy; his son, Christopher; his daughters, Thai (Burke) and Becca (Chad); and two cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Lucy Leitzell (Terry) and Faith Birkhead, and by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Isabel Emmerich, and by his brother-in-law, Bill Birkhead.
After graduating from Gill St. Bernard's School in New Jersey, David joined the Peace Corps, where he served in India — an experience that shaped the generous, curious spirit he carried for the rest of his life. Back home, he continued serving his community as a volunteer firefighter in Ironia, always willing to show up when others needed him most. When the right tool didn't exist, he built it. When something was broken, he figured it out — a tinkerer and problem-solver to his core, he took quiet satisfaction in making things work for the people and places he loved.
His passion for the natural world was never more evident than when he was working the farm in Smiths Grove, raising horses and sheep and finding deep fulfillment in the land beneath his feet. David cherished the simple things: watching thunderstorms roll across the Kentucky horizon from the porch of the home he and Teddy built, or taking in the sunset over the water in Lakebay. In those quiet moments, he was exactly where he wanted to be.
David never met a stranger. Across every town he called home, he built friendships that lasted a lifetime, and the diverse and devoted group he leaves behind reflects the warmth he brought to everyone he met.
He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 2, from 3 to 6 pm at West Sixth Brewing Barrel Room, 501 West 6th Street, Lexington, KY. All who knew and loved David are warmly welcome to come raise a glass and toast his life and legacy.