David B. Hastings

1977 - 2023

Hastings, David B.
NORTH GREENBUSH - On September 10, 2023, after a protracted battle with pancreatic cancer fought with great courage and dignity, David B. Hastings, 45, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
David was born in Troy on September 17, 1977. A graduate of Shaker High School in Latham, David went on to graduate from Purchase College earning a B.F.A. in filmmaking, then moved to New York City and secured an entry-level position at Nice Shoes that eventually led to work as an assistant editor at Post Works. As an online editor there, he worked with such renowned filmmakers as Jonathan Demme, The Sadfe Brothers, and Greg Mottola. From there, he continued his career in Washington, D.C., where he spent a decade working as an editor for National Geographic, most notably on the hit television series "The Incredible Dr. Pol," while at the same time finding work as a commissioned animator
Those who knew David well would describe him as an incredibly generous and kind person who would do anything for his family and close friends. David loved all animals, especially his dogs, Yukon and Jake. Eternally young at heart, he was a natural entertainer who had the ability to brighten every room with laughter. In even the most difficult of personal circumstances, he handled life's challenges with an unshakable and infectious sense of humor.
More than anyplace else, he loved the ocean, especially the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where he lived briefly to pursue other interests, including songwriting.
He is survived by his loving mother, Judith Assini Hastings of Rensselaer; his identical twin brother and best friend, Stephen Hastings of Schenectady; his devoted sister, Allison (David) Fondacaro of Schenectady; and his nephews, Sam and Ben Fondacaro. David was the nephew of Patricia Jacobson of Rotterdam, and William (Joanne) Assini of London, Ont. He is also survived by cousins, Katherine Jacobson of Kansas City, Mo., Erik (Candace) Jacobson of Rockville Center, N.Y., Dr. Joseph (Leslie) Assini of Denver, Colo., Emily Assini of London, Ont., and Jane (Ian) Miersch of Ancaster, Ont. David is further survived by his father, Donald Hastings of Loudonville; and his paternal uncle, Prentiss Hastings of Troy.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend the wake on Thursday, September 14, to be held at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, with calling hours from 4-7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held in the same location on Friday, September 15, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery in Waterford.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at pancan.org, or to the animal rescue league, ASPCA at aspca.org.