David Mills

Mills, David A. – David Alfred Mills, 74, of Elmira Heights, NY, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on September 20, 2025, in Rochester.

He was a devoted husband to his wife of 48 years, Sheila (Finnell), a proud father to his two daughters, Rebecca (Dan) Geiger of Centreville, VA, and Bridgette (Jon) Gibbs of Elmira, NY, and his son, Shawn Mills of Wilmington, NC, and a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren (Peyton, Connor, Sydney, Lucian, and Corbin) who brought him endless joy. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia Mills; in-laws Robert and Susan Sparrow and Timothy and Kathleen Meisenzahl; as well as beloved nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Patricia Bennett; father, Alfred Mills; and sister, Catherine Felker.

David retired from the Elmira Correctional Facility after 25 years of dedicated service. Beyond his career, he was deeply committed to his community, staying very active within the local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, where he shared his love of the outdoors, history, and adventure with generations of young people.

He had many passions that defined his life and brought him happiness. He was an avid Civil War enthusiast with a deep appreciation for history, a lover of classic cars with special pride in his 1969 Corvette, a fan of beagles (especially the most famous, Snoopy), camping with campfires, and a lifelong admirer of trains. Above all, his greatest love was his family, with whom he created countless memories filled with laughter, stories, and devotion.

He will be remembered for his warmth, his humor, and his steadfast love for those dearest to him.

A Celebration of Life will be held November 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm, at Elmira Hibernian Center of Chemung County (701 Kinyon St, Elmira, NY 14904). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ASPCA or a local animal shelter in memory of David and his foxhound, Ariel.