David Washington MENZEL

MENZEL - David Washington Age 85, former Director of Skidaway Institute in Savannah, GA, passed away on April 17, 2013. He was a resident of Buffalo, NY. David was born in Champra, India to missionaries Ida and Emil Menzel on February 22, 1928. His childhood was spent in Darjeeling, West Bengal, India, where he attended Mount Herman School. WW II forced the parents to return to the US and settle in Dunkirk, NY. David graduated from Dunkirk HS and later attended Elmhurst University and received a BS Degree. Upon graduation he married Dorothy "Ducky" Adamy of West Seneca, NY. David joined the Army and was stationed in Louisville, KY and upon discharge attended University of Michigan, where he received his Masters. Later he attended University of Illinois and received his Doctorate in Oceanography. He spent seven years in St. George's, Bermuda, at the Oceanographic Institute, then from 1963 to 1970 he was Assistant Director at Woods Hole on Cape Cod. In 1970, David moved to Savannah and became the Director of Skidaway Institute. David was severely injured in 1985 while riding his bike to work. He was left permanently disabled and legally blind, however he continued to work until his retirement in the mid 90's. After his wife passed away in 1996, David moved to Buffalo to be with his wife's family. David is survived by his brother Richard and two brothers-in-law, William (late Kathryn) Adamy, Donald (Molina) Adamy, and three sisters-in-law, Nancy (late Donald) Jentsch, Harriet Ann (late Emil) Menzel and Joyce (late Carl) Menzel; he is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Private services will be held by the family. Arrangements by HOY FUNERAL HOME, INC.