Obituary of Daniel Jerome David

Daniel Jerome David, 87, of Clifton Park, New York, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 12, 2021 at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home in Schenectady, New York.

Dan was born on September 13, 1934 in Brooklyn, New York to Robert and Margaret David, the fifth of seven children. He attended Catholic elementary school, and graduated from Sewanhaka High School in Floral Park. Upon graduation, Dan served two years in the United States Navy. 

After returning home from duty, Dan found work in the mailroom of a title insurance agency where he met Roberta “Bobbie” Hunt, another Floral Park native. They both went to Sewanhaka High, though their paths didn’t cross at school. They were married in 1959 and moved to Carmel, New York where they raised their five children.

Dan remained in the title insurance business for the rest of his long career, rising to the rank of Vice President of the Security Title & Guarantee Company’s White Plains, New York office. He was highly respected in his industry for his knowledge of property and insurance law, his meticulous attention to detail, and his impressive work ethic. 

Although the family did not have much money in the early years, Dan always made sure they were out having interesting experiences and fun adventures.  An avid outdoorsman and nature lover, Dan took his family on excursions nearly every weekend—hiking in the Shawangunk Mountains, picnicking in Taconic State Park, camping in the Adirondacks, swimming at Jones Beach (something he loved to do as a kid growing up on Long Island). If there was a park, nature attraction or hiking trail within a 100-mile radius of home, Dan brought the family.  He also coached his youngest son’s soccer team for several years. 

Dan had a mischievous sense of humor.  He would wait in a closet for as long as it took to startle his wife and kids.  He would sometimes sneak across the back porch roof to tap on his kids’ bedrooms windows from outside.  He was such a prankster that once, after a very real car accident, Dan came home in a neck brace and bandages, but when his wife Bobbie saw him, her first reaction was to laugh, thinking it was another one of his practical jokes.

Dan remained active throughout his life, enjoying mountain biking, cross country skiing, ice skating and kayaking.  He took several trips out west to explore the outdoors and celebrated his 65th birthday on a week-long canoeing and camping expedition with his daughter, son-in-law and a group of friends. He was also a history buff and an avid reader.  

One of Dan’s lasting legacies was the work he did with the Open Space Institute.  Dan effected land acquisitions, using his 50+ years’ experience as a title examiner. If you hike anywhere in New York state, chances are it's on land that OSI (and Dan) helped transfer to public use. 

In 2011, Dan and Roberta moved to Clifton Park, NY to be closer to their grandchildren.  Dan is remembered for his respect for hard work and honesty, his sense of humor, his love of nature and his devotion to family.

Daniel is predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Roberta (Hunt) David, his son Steven David, and his four older siblings. Daniel is survived by his daughters Lauren (Craig) Peden of New York, New York, Karen David of Gig Harbor, Washington, Lynne (Tim) Macko of Glenville, New York, son Jonathan David of Gig Harbor, Washington, three grandchildren, Cheyenne Riemann, Daniel Macko, Anna Macko, his younger siblings William David and Susan (David) Patello, and dozens of nieces and nephews.

Dan’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at Kingsway Arms Nursing Home, whose compassionate care and tireless professionalism were a great comfort to us.

Following a private funeral service on Monday, December 20th at Glenville Funeral Home in Glenville, NY, Daniel will be interred alongside his wife Roberta at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at glenvillefuneralhome.com