David Frank "Dave" Gerstner

Canandaigua - David Frank Gerstner, "Dave" to his friends, age 85, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family, on April 23, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Spangenberg) Gerstner; four children, Karen (Warren) Pashley, Robert (Aneta) Gerstner, Jeffrey (Carolyn) Gerstner and Susan Turturino Gerstner; 13 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; five brothers; and many extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Virginia (Estey) Gerstner; and two brothers, Fred Gerstner and Donald Gerstner.
A lifelong resident of Canandaigua, David was a builder - in both the literal sense and in relationships. A master of construction techniques, he is responsible for many iconic structures around the Finger Lakes and his reputation for building strong, beautiful break-walls along the shores of our lakes was unparalleled. The eldest son of eight boys, David exemplified the role of the firstborn, always considering the needs of his family, hosting large gatherings where the clams were steaming, the blue whales flowing, and chickens roasting on the barbecue. These parties are the stuff of legends, and his hospitality, humor, and big heart will forever be remembered by all. His beloved cabin, affectionally known as The HighBanks, built with his own hands and his sons at his side on the South Eastern cliffs of Canandaigua lake, was a masterful feat of engineering and the "Chosen Spot" for many memorable events.
He was unbeatable at the game of Euchre, a game the Gerstner family considers nearly sacred, his blue eyes sparkling with every "Loner" hand he won. Dave hosted bi-weekly poker nights for his buddies for more than 40 years -a testament to his delight in gathering with friends and family.
A Spirit of adventure flowed through his veins, whether it was hunting with his brothers in the remote Alaskan wilderness (decades before cell phones and Gortex gear), or snowmobiling across the frozen lakes of the Adirondacks, Dave Gerstner lived large. In high school at Canandaigua Academy, he was known for car racing -the handsome blue-eyed blonde in the shiniest fastest car. He especially loved Corvettes, and to the end of his life could tell you not just the make and model, but the engine stats, ground speeds and transmission of every vehicle he'd owned. The man knew cars. And he knew ecology; nature, animals, plants, architecture, engineering, fossils.
He taught his children to hunt and fish and waterski, he took them berry picking, built treehouses and caught fish with them- cooking trout on the shore in a cast iron skillet. Nothing on this earth tasted better. He taught them by example to welcome and accept people just as they are. To be generous and patient with people's shortcomings. To forgive.
Rather than casually say the words "I love you", he showed his love through his actions. Whether it was jumping in his truck to help an employee with car troubles or rescuing kittens for his wife, defending his seven-year old daughter from a mean bus driver or consoling his young son with a pile of candy bars, driving 18 hours to surprise a granddaughter for her high school graduation, or ensuring that every Valentines Day his adult daughter received the biggest box of chocolates he could find - in these and so many more ways, David Gerstner lived out his love.
He proudly supported his wife Nancy's dedication to her students through her long career as principal of Bloomfield Middle and High School, often quipping when asked where she was on a Friday evening, "She's over at the schoolhouse".
As a young man, he served in the United States Army Reserves. He learned his trade working for his father, then owned and operated Arrow Construction and NSG Construction for more than 50 years.
His home brims with rich treasures... the Blue Marlin he reeled in off the big Island of Hawaii with his son, the moose head he carried on his shoulders for miles in near freezing temperatures, the bear ( now a rug ) brought home from Canada in the back of his pickup. Ducks Unlimited art prints, pictures of his family, photo albums stuffed with images of camping trips and hunting excursions and cars, handmade cards from grandkids. Yet it was his zeal for life that is the greatest treasure, and will be cherished by all who knew him.
His quick wit and sometimes sassy humor was with him until the very end. He died as he lived - with dignity, and on his own terms. The world is richer because of Dave Gerstner.
Services are private. Friends may call Saturday, May 3, from 5-7 pm, at Johnson-Kennedy Funeral Home, Inc., 47 N. Main St., Canandaigua. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the Finger Lakes Land Trust at https://www.fllt.org/. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.johnsonkennedy.com.