David Lee McInroy

David Lee McInroy

LIMESTONE  - David McInroy, formerly of Hinsdale, lovingly known as Dave, Dad or Bompa, passed away at Buffalo General Hospital on Thursday (Dec. 11, 2025) after a long illness.

Born Oct. 16, 1941, in Buffalo, Dave was the son of Charles J. Donnellan and Leah A. Dougherty Whitmer. On March 28, 1964, Dave married F. Jean Ervay at First Baptist Church in Olean. Their union of over 61 years is a testament of love, commitment and patience.

A graduate of Allegany Central School, Dave was a member of the 1958-59 men's basketball team. The Blue Devils had an undefeated season and were Section 6, Class A Champions, later inducted into the school's Wall of Fame in 2019. After graduation, he received a scholarship at Erie Community College and continued his love for basketball playing for the ECC. He majored in business.

He later served in the U.S. Army for three years in the First Army 31st Artillery Brigade, at the Army Air Defense Command Post NF-17DC (Cambria, NY) as a radar specialist for the NIKE Missiles.

Following his honorable discharge, David had a successful career at Dresser Industries, where he worked in purchasing for over 17 years. He later owned and operated Allegany Supply Co. in Olean for over 30 years.

Dave and his family spent most of their time at their horse farm, Hy-Raff Arabians in Hinsdale. They raised, bred and showed Arabian horses across the U.S. for over 20 years. He was best known for his excellence in halter classes in the show ring, quality horse transporter to and from the shows, and riding coach on the side rail offering advice (wanted or unwanted).

Dave enjoyed helping to instruct the Hinsdale Starliners color guard at Hinsdale Central School. He later established the Allegany Color Guard and directed the program for several years. He loved the sportsmanship, choreography and friendships formed along the way. Years later, he would fondly recall the fun trips to the color guard shows, especially listening to REO Speedwagon, Journey or Michael Jackson on the bus rides home.

In the summer months, you could find Dave on his boat or golfing. He loved going to Kinzua to boat and camp with family and friends. He was always making delicious meals on the grill or over the fire. His idea of perfection was his deck/patio, warm weather and a cold beer.

Dave lived for the Buffalo Bills, the Bonnies and Duke basketball. He especially enjoyed watching the Bills games with family, good food, cold beer and lots of high fives.

Dave was a member of the Hinsdale American Legion, Elks Club in Olean and was president of the PTO at Hinsdale Central School in 1982.

Dave didn't sugarcoat. You always knew precisely what he thought, whether you wanted to or not. That blunt honesty, and a complete lack of apology, is what those closest to him will miss the most.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, Jean; his two daughters, Paula (Kevin) John of Little Valley and Jill Dunn of Ellicottville; his three grandchildren, Allen (Maggie) Barroso, Evelyn (Liam Langer) Ballard and Jacob Ballard; and his great-grandchildren, Camrie Barroso and Kiersten Barroso, whom he loved joking around and spending time with. He is also survived by his sisters and brothers, Bonnie Simm, Judy (Mike) Norvell, James (Judy) Donnellan, Sue (Chuck) Howat, Cindy (Gary) Mackenzie and Lori (Roger) Thein; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, James Donnellan; and his mother, Leah Dougherty Whitmer; Clara Donnellan, wife of James Donnellan; and other cherished family members.

A public celebration of Dave's life with military honors to be accorded by the Allegany American Legion will be held at a later date to be announced.

In honor of Dave's memory, the family kindly requests donations be made to the David L. McInroy Memorial Scholarship at the Cattaraugus Community Regional Foundation, 301 N. Union St., Suite 203, Olean, NY 14760, or online at http://bit.ly/David-McInroy-Scholarship, which will benefit students at Allegany-Limestone Central School, in lieu of flowers.

Dave will be deeply missed by his family and fondly remembered - especially when his favorite song comes on, "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston. We will always love you!

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.