David H. Gluck

Obituary
DAVID H. GLUCK
David H. Gluck, an Ithaca filmmaker whose work reached millions around the world, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on March 31, 2003, at the age of 55. He was the father of Sofi, son of Eleanor and the late Irvin, brother of Kathy Berkman and Andy, and uncle of Ben, Emily and her husband, David Harris, and their daughter, Ella. Also surviving are his previous wife, mother of Sofi, Susanne Ottander; Mary Fessenden, former wife and partner of fifteen years; and his friend and business companion of many years, Deborah Hoard.David was the founder and president of Photo Synthesis Productions, based in downtown Ithaca. Inspired by his creativity, PhotoSynthesis attained a national reputation for exceptional documentary, educational and promotional films and videos. The company earned over 60 major national and international awards, including Blue Ribbons at the American Film and Video Festival, First Place Awards at the National Educational Film and Video Festival, CINE Golden Eagles, and Gold and Silver Medals at the New York Festivals. Five of David's films were broadcast as National PBS specials.David grew up on Long Island and graduated from Cornell University's College of Arts and Sciences in 1969. He earned a Master's Degree in Film from Boston University in 1972. He returned to Cornell to work for Professor Jim Maas at the Center for Teaching & Learning. He founded PhotoSynthesis in 1980. He had a distinguished and exciting career, making engaging films on topics ranging from childcare to astronomy, from little league baseball to the physics of hovercrafts.His family and friends knew David to be a person of wry wit, sharp insights and keen intellect. He was a good listener and a great conversationalist. David had a fine sense of aesthetic and he appreciated quality: innovative and functional design, a well-turned phrase, a beautifully performed piece of music, good food and good wine. He had many diverse passions including photography, cooking, walking the State Park trails, movies, reading, downhill skiing, bike riding, exercising at the gym, boating on Cayuga Lake, mastering a new gadget or new technology. David fell in love with Ithaca when he came to Cornell and, in essence, never left. He enjoyed its natural beauty, culture, liberal politics and even appreciated the weather, postulating that it kept the population down.David made a lasting impression on everyone he met. We all miss him.