David Cottrill Obituary

Cottrill, David Jack

Delmar-David Jack Cottrill

David Jack Cottrill, 86, of Delmar, Maryland, an educator for 50 years, died August 23, 2017. Born in Clarksburg, WV on April Fool's Day 1931 to Ruth (Barnes) and Halley (born under Halley's Comet in 1910) Cottrill, he attended Victory High School, Alderson-Broaddus College, Crozer Theological Seminary, George Washington University, and University of Maryland.

He was an associate pastor and director of education at Bethany Baptist Church in DC and taught in the Maryland public schools. He retired in 2001 from the Religion/Philosophy department of Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach and returned to his cherished West Virginia hills.

He taught writing courses at the community college in Lewisburg and wrote news stories and editorials for the Mountain Messenger, where he characterized himself as "the world's oldest living newspaper reporter."

His lifelong hobby was singing a capella harmony. A 45-year member of the international Barbershop Harmony Society, he was active in the Pride of DelMarVa, Salisbury's Peninsulaires, and earlier in the Charleston, WV Kanawha Kordsmen, Surfside Chorus in Daytona Beach, Orange Blossom Chorus (Orlando, FL), Alexandria Harmonizers (VA), and Bowie Knights (MD) chapters.

He is survived by his beloved wife Linda, brother Tom (Batavia, OH), sister Judy Cornell (Oswego, NY), daughter Andrea McCusker (Chesapeake, VA), son Shane (Catonsville, MD), sons Chris and David (both of Annapolis, MD), seven fine grandchildren, 3 awesome great-grandchildren, stepson James Sitar (Chicago), stepdaughter Amy Sitar (Brooklyn, NY), and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was an avid reader with keen interests in human behavior, history, and current affairs. It was his wish to continue teaching by donating his body to an in- state medical school.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to Harmony Foundation, 110 Seventh Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37203, so that youngsters can be taught the joys of learning to sing in harmony.

Friends will be invited to an informal life-celebration to be held soon.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Times on Aug. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for David Cottrill

13 Entries

Linda Cottrill

January 5, 2018

This is Linda, Mr. Cottrill's widow. I want to thank everyone for your comments and memories! These have all warmed my heart more than you know. I am comforted to know that he made a difference in our lives. Thank you for sharing how his influence keeps his memory alive. Bless you all! - Linda Cottrill

Kathy Kraus

January 4, 2018

I just saw that David Cottrill passed away this summer. My prayers go out to him and his loving family! His was a very caring spirit and made a huge difference in my life during high school. I was a student assistant to him during my senior year and really got to know him then. He was a wonderful teacher and roll model. I tell my own young adult children about him and how he related to his students. May God grant peace to his family.

Kathy (Lineberry) Kraus
Parkdale HS Class of 1980

Lisa (Bersbach) Dalton

September 12, 2017

In the past year, I finally wrote and published two books and have two more first drafts done. I can truly say I don't think I ever would have done this without Mr. Cottrill's encouragement and love of writing. Thank you, Sir, with love, Lisa Class of '71.

Dennis Thayer

September 9, 2017

It was an honor to take his English class, and I will never forget his efforts. A truly fine teacher and person. Thank you, David, and Rest in Peace.

Bill Layman

September 9, 2017

I have always remembered Mr Cottrill. He introduced me to the writings of Mark Twain when I was in high school. It changed my life. I have wanted for years to say Thank You!

Shawn M. Lockhart

September 9, 2017

Always think fondly of him. Will always be Mr. Cottrill, my favorite teacher at Parkdale Senior High School. (1969-1971) He was a bright light in my troubled times, having been transplanted to a strange place in those difficult high school years. A soft-spoken peaceful soul who helped this introverted artist in more ways than he could know.

September 9, 2017

You were a gift from God to most students.. RIP
Love to you and yours
From
Tonie Stephens
Class of 72

Jim Gray

September 9, 2017

He taught me HS English in 1970 at Parkdale HS. One of those teachers you never forget. RIP, Mr. Cottrill

Alison Bassett

September 9, 2017

During the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War and busing, I attended Riverdale High School in the 1970s. Mr. Cottrill's class was a wonderful escape into literature and discussion. Thank you - you touched my life in profound ways at a very tough age.
God bless.

Madonna Parent

September 9, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to the Cottrill family. Best teacher ever.
Madonna Parent
Parkdale HS 1972

Kerry Windsor

August 28, 2017

DAVE WAS A WONDERFUL GUY I WAS PROUD TO KNOW. GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR AND SANG VERY WELL. HE WILL BE MISSED FOR SURE.

Linda Cottrill

August 28, 2017

My husband touched so many lives through his teaching and his singing. He was my love. Linda Cottrill