David Muther Lacy

David Lacy
Pittsford-David Muther Lacy, dedicated archaeologist, husband, father, grandfather and brother died Friday, February 21st, 2025, at his home in Pittsford.
Born on July 16, 1951 in Newton, MA to John Willoughby Lacy and Barbara Muther Lacy, David attended Needham High School and later earned a BA from Boston University and a Master's Degree from UMass, both in Anthropology.
He and his wife, Barbara, married in 1977 and moved to Vermont in 1990. They raised their two boys, Jake and Mack, in Pittsford. He served as the archaeologist for the Green Mountain & Finger Lakes National Forest for 30 years, acting as a steward of their cultural resources from prehistory through the mid-20th century. His work often included public outreach, working with volunteers on a variety of projects, and coordinating with indigenous communities. He was also a kind, encouraging, generous mentor to students and younger colleagues alike.
It is hard to put into words the fullness of David's spirit and the effect he had on those around him. He was kind. And he was patient. He was fun and funny. And he was infinitely curious about the world and the people around him. He could talk to anyone, loved to learn and share, and left an impression everywhere he went. His interest in others was genuine and he had a way of making you feel seen. He was a "glass half full" optimist. And he believed in treating everyone with dignity and respect. But most importantly he led by example.
David was a drummer as well as a lifelong tennis and basketball player. He loved cheering on the Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots. He coached Little League, was on the school board, was quick to lend a helping hand in his many communities and was proud to serve on the VT Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. He was a voracious
reader, and he and Barbara traveled to many countries in their retirement. He passed on his love for art, books, travel, poetry and the outdoors to his sons and grandsons. He believed in lucky rocks and parking karma. He gave good hugs and great advice. He sent postcards from anywhere and everywhere, just to let you know he was thinking of you. He touched so many lives and has left fond memories with so many. He was a vibrant force of joy and love. He will be desperately missed.
David is predeceased by his parents, Barbara's parents, Dick and Pat Griffin and a nephew, Chris Griffin. He is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Jake and Mack, daughters-in-law Lauren and Missy, and grandsons Townes and Duke. He leaves behind his sister, Ginger, his brother, Roger and his wife, Joyce, as well as Barbara's siblings Dave Griffin and his wife Cathy, Ned Griffin and his wife Elaine, Pam Predmore and her husband Read, Jim Griffin and Sonya Eldridge, and Carolyn Osgood and her husband Kevin. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews Mike (Erin), Jon, Ben (Claire), Vera (Travis), Marie, Marjeena (Tony), Kate (Glenn), Sean (Maude), Jennifer, Alex, Ben (Sara) and Will, and a close family member, Caroline Korejko & her family, as well as many great-nephews and nieces, all of whom will miss "Uncle David's 20 questions."
The family will organize a celebration of life later in the year. In lieu of flowers, if you'd like to make a donation, please consider the Vermont Archaeological Society (https://vtarchaeology.org/support/), Vermont Public (https://www.vermontpublic.org) or a charity of your choosing.