David W. Davis

David W. Davis (91) was born on 6/9/1934 in Trenton, New Jersey, to Thurlow and Ellen Bradley, one of 4 sons born at home. John B, Walter G, Thomas J, and David, the youngest, by 20 minutes than his twin, Tommy. Parents, 3 brothers, and his adult son all predeceased him. In 1960, Dave met & married Linda Sue Pollock; the couple has now celebrated 65 years of living in Oswego, New York.

Raising 5 children on David's favorite great lake, Ontario, the children being Jeff (wife Elise), Todd (wife Gail Johnson), Scott (deceased), Steve (wife Sara), and favorite daughter Penny Hays (Husband Brent). Fourteen grandchildren: Jasmine Davis, Taylor Davis, Amy Davis, Brandi Davis Kerling, Kimberly Davis, Danny Davis, Vanessa Bowen, Samantha, Ben, Caleb, Noah, and Ella Davis, Joshua & Andrew Hays. Great Grandchildren: Chava, Jackson, Kayne, Brielle, Easton, Meadow, Henry, Quinn, Lyla, Sawyer, Kinsley, Landon, and Spencer. It was important to him to view their many activities over the years until ill health prevailed, one of the things grandchildren recall over time… "Grandma & Grandpa were always there watching us".

Growing up in N.J., Dave recalls getting up early to get their chores done before their Irish mother could think of even more for them to do. In the summers, the 4 boys spent time in Vermont, living at their neighboring Aunt Ellie's and grandmother's home and working on Moore Farm, picking blueberries, and going to dinners. His aunt called the boys "devils". Due to his mother's untimely death at age 46, Dave and his father relocated to New York as Mr.Davis took employment as a chemist.

David enrolled in college at SUNY Oswego, majoring in education, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor's degree. He taught social studies for 32 years, retiring in 1990 from Central Square. During this time, he was a part of the local teachers' union and a member of the labor council. He spoke highly of many colleagues and "most" students. Growing up and teaching, Dave always had side jobs such as painting houses, cleaning, and laboring for the county and for neighbor Mike Falise. Due to health problems, he regularly attended Lakeside Center for years, until its closing due to COVID. He was always laughing and joking with the nurses and other patients. He also found hands-on help for his other friends and acquaintances as they dealt with terminal illnesses. Dave's Catholic education was influenced by one Monsignor Peter B, as well as his predisposition of being frequently in trouble with the Nuns at Queen of Peace. Possessing a beautiful voice, he, as an older adult, became part of St. Mary's Choir. If you could ask Dave now what he is most proud of, he would say 1.) Helping raise 5 children to turn out well. 2.) 10 years of service in the Army National Guard as a staff sergeant in troop D, and earning the sharpshooter's award. 3.) teaching flag football with Ernie B. If you asked others about Dave, they would say he likes ice cream from McConkeys (or was it Bills?); his favorite car would be a Rolls Royce; a good steak and Guinness; his father's favorite whiskey, Canadian Club, Antique Road Show, and old war movies on PBS; and collecting antiques. Others might note that Dave loves a good argument (he is seldom wrong). Dave would want others to know that he once floated down the Dead River in ME (w/o a lifejacket) even though he couldn't swim. Son Scott Wilson Davis died at the end of the shift at OFD in 2010. Dave has always felt a strong tie to the Fire Dept., and he feels they made him a part of their family.

The many nieces and nephews remain widely scattered geographically, but close in Dave's thoughts and prayers, with hopes that his brother's children have happy, healthy lives. Although he denied 'liking' the picture of Mel Brooks as it pertained to being his look-a-like, Dave's sense of humor prevailed throughout his lifetime.

Dying one week ago today on December 30th, 2025, Per his request, family services will be private with a celebration of life planned for June 20th, 2026, at AOH. Arrangements are under the caring guidance of Nelson Funeral Home.