David R. Starbuck

Starbuck, David R. CHESTERTOWN David R. Starbuck, noted archeologist, author and professor, died Sunday evening, December 27, 2020, at Glens Falls Hospital surrounded by friends. David was predeceased by his parents, Samuel and Frances Starbuck; and his brother James E. Starbuck. He leaves behind his many friends, students and archeological family that shared his passion. A proud native of Chestertown, David attended Chestertown Central School, graduating in 1967. He attended St. Lawrence University for two years before transferring to the University of Rochester where he graduated summa cum laude. David received his master's degree and doctorate in anthropology from Yale University. David was always fascinated by archeology and history. He knew at an early age that he would follow a career as an archeologist. He was a lecturer and assistant professor at Phillips Exeter Academy, Dartmouth College, University of Vermont, R.P.I., Boston University, Yale University and most recently professor of anthropology at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire from 1992 to 2020. David conducted countless archeological digs in northern New York, including Fort William Henry and Battleground Park in Lake George, Rogers Island and Merchant's House (Sutler's) in Fort Edward and Saratoga National Historical Park. His love of local history, especially that of the French and Indian War were unparalleled. David was a noted author and has published numerous books and articles regarding his archeological digs. His favorite areas included the Shaker Village sites in New Hampshire and Loch Lomond, Scotland, the home of his maternal ancestors. He was a world traveler, often taking his students and friends to some of the best archeological dig areas around the world, including Mexico, Egypt, South America, Italy, Israel, Cambodia and England. When asked, "what is the best thing you have ever done," his reply was "the fact that I've had a thousand or more diggers, thousands of students, and I have taught 70 field schools." "If given the chance, I will dig to the very end - it is my passion." David finished his last dig in Fort Edward in November of this year while fighting stage four pancreatic cancer. Mission accomplished! Graveside services will be conducted in late spring followed by a celebration of life at David's farm in Chestertown. Dates will be announced. Memorial donations may be made to: The Historical Society of the Town of Chester, Inc. P.O. Box 423, Chestertown, NY, 12817. Arrangements are entrusted to Barton-McDermott Funeral Home, Inc., 9 Pine St., Chestertown, NY, 12817.