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BORN
1939
DIED
2024
David Updegraff Obituary
August 23, 1939 - July 29, 2024
Age 84, died at his home in Tucson, Arizona. David was born in Elyria, Ohio to John and Lela Updegraff. Raised in a pastor's family, David would go on to craft a distinguished life of service to others in a myriad of ways. A graduate of Ft. Lauderdale High School, David earned a Bachelor of Arts at Bethany College, Bethany, West Virginia in 1961. He then entered the Peace Corps, becoming one of its first global volunteers, teaching English in the towns of Buriram and Maesod, Thailand. He earned a Masters of Social Work at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, in 1967 and a Ph.D. in Sociology at The American University in Washington DC in 1979. David married the love of his life, Susan Gough, on August 21, 1965, at National City Christian Church in Washington DC. He is survived by her, daughters Stacey Ann Vanik (Neil), and Melanie Joan Updegraff, grandsons John Milton Vanik (Adeline) and Paul David Vanik (Faith), and great-grandson Lukas David Vanik. Baby girl Vanik will be born to John and Adeline and Baby boy Vanik to Paul and Faith in the coming months. He also leaves behind a sister, Ann Updegraff Spleth, but is predeceased by his brother Jim. David's professional life began at Gallaudet University in Washington DC, as Assistant Professor of Social Work (1967-1968) and Associate Professor of Social Work and Assistant Director, Kendall School, 1968-1973.) He was Administrative Director of The Wallace Village for Children in Broomfield, Colorado (1973-1975) and Superintendent of the Michigan School for the Deaf in Flint, Michigan (1986-1990) and President of St. Mary's School for the Deaf in Buffalo, New York (1990-2001). David "retired" from St. Mary's School in 2001 but continued to find ways to serve others. He became a certified career and personal coach and created Success Plus Coaching. He was a board member of the Pima Council on Aging and served them as a consultant on a contract basis since 2011. A lifelong learner, David's "hobbies" received the same dedication and success as his professional life. This included leadership roles in the Barbershop Harmony Society, becoming a master wood carver, and in most recent years, acting in plays, films and commercials. Memorial contributions may be sent to St. Mary's School for the Deaf, 2253 Main Street, Buffalo, New York 14214. Arrangements for memorial services in Tucson and Maryland are pending.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Updegraff
Dara Overmoyer
October 16, 2024
My condolences to you, Susan and your family. Hugs Dara
Karen Ryan
September 4, 2024
I´m so sorry for your loss, Susan. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alinda Hakanson
September 1, 2024
To Susan and Family,
I just found out today of David's death. He was a good friend, a good listener, and a good problem solver. His dedication while you two were members of Villa Catalina HOA still resonates with the community. Blessings and prayers to him and you.
Cathy Kibler
August 9, 2024
My sincere condolences to you, Susan, and the whole family. I have so many fond memories of David´s time with us at St. Mary´s. Those were such special days! It was truly my honor to have had the opportunity to work with him during those wonderful times. St. Mary´s was privileged to have had him at our school in Buffalo! Blessings to your family-
Gary McBride
August 9, 2024
David your harmony, friendship, and smile will be missed. A true gentleman and always worked so hard so that others lives would be better. May you rest in peace. Hugs and love across the miles to Susan and family.
Donnae Dole
August 4, 2024
I am a friend of Ann's and I send my deepest condolences to her and the family.
Sue Ross
August 4, 2024
David was a real gentleman and a good actor. I saw him in few local productions in Tucson. Also at Silver Sneakers exercise class at Chuze Fitness. Always a smile! A joy to know.
Sue Ross
Molly Plummer
August 2, 2024
To the Updegraff Family, you have My deepest sympathy. Susan I know he was your soulmate. I´m praying for your heart´s recovery. xoxo molly
Gail Bennett Eichner
August 2, 2024
Dear Susan and family, I feel like I've known you all a bit, especially Susan! I first met David via comments (on Facebook) with Glen Burnie High School bandmates of '65 who sang Barbershop with David. Later I found out his dad was clergy, as was/is my husband and next there was the connection via singing again but it was you Susan through Mike Rowe's singing director who got him interested in Baltimore's opera...and then there is the Anne Arundel County connection where church for my husband and work for me were all on Benfield Road. And your gracious snap at The Point in Arnold and other travels as we exchanged life in general. You all were blessed. Wishing you peace.
Marilyn Singet
July 31, 2024
David and Susan both had fabulous senses of humor. I still laugh at the memory of some hilarious conversations!
Sue W and family
July 31, 2024
Our dearest sympathy goes to David Updegraff´s family and prayers.
David was a great President of St. Mary´s School for the Deaf and had done many great things for our Deaf school especially keeping our school open with all the 4201 schools for the Deaf and the blind. My finest memory with David Updegraff was chatting in the cafeteria during lunch time with the Deaf workers while we were all teasing and laughing together. He was a great storyteller and reading children stories with our SMSD Elementary students. My sons always enjoyed seeing and going to his office for story time. There are so many more to say but it is kept in treasure. We cannot replaced you however we were lucky to have you especially being our SMSD´s family.
May he rest in peace eternally.
Chuck Lynch
July 31, 2024
praying for his family and friends I'm truly saddened to hear of the loss of Dr David Updegaff. He was a kind gentle man. Will miss chatting with him.
Miss Deirdra Denise-Kelly
July 31, 2024
My Our St. Mary'S School For The Deaf Me. Very Sad And Sorry Family And Friend Oh No Died David Updegraff My I Love friend David Updegraff Me My Fromerly Elementary Sept 6,1978-june 22,1989 Me. My High School Class Sept 6,1989-june 22,1995 Me. Remember Thank You.
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