David W. Gowdy Sr.

1955 - 2021

David W. Gowdy, Sr., husband, father, grandfather

CUBA - David W. Gowdy, Sr., 66, of 62 E. Main St., Cuba, passed away unexpectedly Saturday (Nov. 27, 2021) at home, after a short illness.

Born on April 20, 1955, in Hornellsville, he was a son of Lawrence and Thelma Hale Gowdy. He was married to the former Bambi Allshouse, who survives.

Dave was a graduate of Belmont Central School Class of 1974. While in high school, he attended the electrical trade program at BOCES. He later returned to BOCES, where he obtained his CDL truck driving license.

He first started working for Monroe Games in Arcade and then in 1976, went to work for ACME Electric of Cuba, until it closed. His first truck driving experience was for Rick Perkins Contracting in Franklinville, with whom he was close friends.

Subsequently, he drove milk truck for David Slocum for over 20 years, retiring in September of this year. He was currently employed as a truck driver for Mallard's Dairies, which was a new experience for him that he fell in love with.

Dave was a lifetime member of the Cuba Fire Department, where he has served as vice president over the years. He was also a member of the Cuba Rod and Gun Club.

Dave's interests included racing go carts, watching wrestling, football and sports in general. He loved hunting deer and geese, collecting geese decoys and guns.

Many people referred to him as "Mr. Social," because he had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, and before that conversation was over, he would know a great deal about their life. At times he was quite the "flirt."

He also loved to cook, both for family and friends. His family remembers his grilled cheese hot dogs, chili at deer camp and lasagna as being some of his signature dishes.

In addition to his wife Bambi, he is survived by three sons, David W. (Shannon) Gowdy, Jr. of Scio, Casey Cronk of Olean and Codey (Amanda) Cronk of Angelica; two grandsons, Adam and Austin Gowdy; a brother, Duane Gowdy of Little Genesee; a sister, Debbie Witherell of Limestone; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents; and a sister, Sarah Gowdy, who died in infancy.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.

Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Friendship.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.