After a long life in education, David Scribner Jr. died at his Manhattan home on January 3, 2026 at the age of 89. His original and brilliant teachers were his mother, Eunice Bastedo Scribner, and father David Scribner, to whom he was born on August 3, 1936 in Manhattan. The Taft School gave him confidence in his intelligence. And after attending Johns Hopkins University he went on to work with his father and others, learning the complex and absorbing business of land economics.
But in his 30s, two thrilling Outward Bound adventures changed the trajectory of David's life. The rugged physical challenges inspired him to become the college professor he had always wanted to be. He then earned the necessary degrees to teach real estate appraisal at the college level, culminating in his Ph.D. at the University of Florida. For the next 30 years he relished mentoring students academically and professionally. And many in return expressed their gratitude to him for his generous guidance and sage advice.
For his teaching skills David was honored by several institutions, including The University of Connecticut, The New York University Master of Science and Real Estate Program, Baruch College/Zicklin School of Business, by the Land Economics Society, NYC Chapter, and by the New York Appraisal Institute for which he taught for over 50 years.
David's curiosity about people and their interactions with space and place also sparked his love of travel and, closer to home, his delight in designing sets and lighting as a member of The Amateur Comedy Club for over 50 years. He was a student all his life, loved New York City, books and bow ties. He listened well and spoke gently. He will be missed.
David is survived by Cheryl Chalmers, his wife of 35 years; by his five children: Anne (Michael Lessin), Elizabeth Scribner, David Scribner III (Tran Khanh Ly), Robert W. Scribner (JoAnne), Katherine (David Young), and by their mother, his first wife, Nancy Berndt Scribner; by his 9 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His sister, Susan Heitner, and his nephew, Samuel K. Heitner, also survive him.
David met the long-term challenges of Parkinson's disease with grace and courage. His family is grateful to his many aides, especially Kate and Nina, and to VNS Health Hospice for their compassionate guidance. At his request, David's family will gather next spring to spread his ashes on Mt. Washington in NH, a favorite destination over the years.
But in his 30s, two thrilling Outward Bound adventures changed the trajectory of David's life. The rugged physical challenges inspired him to become the college professor he had always wanted to be. He then earned the necessary degrees to teach real estate appraisal at the college level, culminating in his Ph.D. at the University of Florida. For the next 30 years he relished mentoring students academically and professionally. And many in return expressed their gratitude to him for his generous guidance and sage advice.
For his teaching skills David was honored by several institutions, including The University of Connecticut, The New York University Master of Science and Real Estate Program, Baruch College/Zicklin School of Business, by the Land Economics Society, NYC Chapter, and by the New York Appraisal Institute for which he taught for over 50 years.
David's curiosity about people and their interactions with space and place also sparked his love of travel and, closer to home, his delight in designing sets and lighting as a member of The Amateur Comedy Club for over 50 years. He was a student all his life, loved New York City, books and bow ties. He listened well and spoke gently. He will be missed.
David is survived by Cheryl Chalmers, his wife of 35 years; by his five children: Anne (Michael Lessin), Elizabeth Scribner, David Scribner III (Tran Khanh Ly), Robert W. Scribner (JoAnne), Katherine (David Young), and by their mother, his first wife, Nancy Berndt Scribner; by his 9 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. His sister, Susan Heitner, and his nephew, Samuel K. Heitner, also survive him.
David met the long-term challenges of Parkinson's disease with grace and courage. His family is grateful to his many aides, especially Kate and Nina, and to VNS Health Hospice for their compassionate guidance. At his request, David's family will gather next spring to spread his ashes on Mt. Washington in NH, a favorite destination over the years.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Scribner Jr., please visit our flower store.
David Scribner Jr.'s Guestbook
Visits: 129
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors