David Donald Slentz of Fairport, NY passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on February 12, 2022.
Born November 10, 1951 in Utica, he was the son of Donald (Dick) and Ruth Welch Slentz. He grew up in the peaceful hamlet of West Edmeston in Otsego County. In the ’50’s and ’60’s West Ed was a small but close-knit and active community, and a wonderful place to spend a childhood. David graduated from Edmeston Central in 1969 and from Hartwick College in 1973.
He married Kristen Burkhart on May 26, 1984 in Edmeston. Blessed with two children, they raised their family in the Edmeston area.
David had a thirty one year career in banking, primarily with Central National Bank. Most of his banking career was spent working in the Edmeston Office of Central National, where he held several positions, including Branch Manager, before being promoted to Regional Vice President.
Active in both youth sports and local organizations, David spent several years working with the Little Leagues in both West Ed and Edmeston. He was a founding member of the Tri-Town Youth Commission, serving as its original chairman.
David was a member of the Edmeston Central School Board for eighteen years, serving as Board President for ten years. In addition, he was a long time trustee for the West Edmeston Cemetery Association, a past member and President of the Chase Nursing Home Board of Directors and an enthusiastic member of the Peet Hook Players theatrical group, acting in numerous musical productions and serving as President of its Board of Directors.
David was a former member of the First Baptist Church of West Edmeston, the Edmeston United Methodist Church and the New Hartford United Methodist Church.
A loyal and passionate sports fan, David loved the NY Yankees, the NY Giants and the Syracuse Orange basketball team. He had a passion for reading and learning about the Civil War, and his favorite vacations were spent in Gettysburg. An ardent supporter of battlefield preservation, David was a member of the Friends of Gettysburg and the American Battlefield Trust organizations.
David’s pride and joy was his family, and his happiest moments were spent with them. He is survived by his wife, Kristen, his son James and his fiancé Hannah Kohl of Brighton, and his daughter Emily and her husband Michael Lum of Macedon. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Wheeldon of West Winfield and his dear cousin, Michael Holdridge of Huntingdon, PA and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Jacob, and his sisters Josephine Calhoun and Elizabeth Holdridge.
There will be no calling hours or funeral. A memorial service will be planned for a future date. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Friends of Gettysburg Foundation in David’s name (https://cart.gettysburgfoundation.org/donate/contribute1).
My deepest condolences to David’s family and friends. I always looked up to him and all he has done. He will be deeply missed
Thinking of you all at this difficult time David will certainly be missed by all.
Thinking of you Kris , James and Emily. David was a great man!! Always so willing to help anyone!! He will be missed by many. love and hugs your family
Thinking of you and your family. He was a great guy
My deepest condolences, thoughts, prayers and love go out to you and your family during this time of loss. May you find peace and comfort in the love & memories that live on within your hearts. Sending my love to you all.
What a life he led …. Dedicated and passionate to his town and family! He was a great man. So sorry for your loss.
We are so very sorry for your loss.
With deepest condolences. What an honor and blessing to have known him. He was someone we could all aspire to emulate.
Kris James and Emily and all. I am so so sorry for your loss. I so enjoyed working with Dave in the numerous musicals we performed! He sure did show what it meant to be an active member of the community! Hugs to you all🌹
So sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a great man! He will be missed. Sending prayers and hugs for you all!
My thought and prayers are with the family. David was a great and friendly man and always a pleasure to talk to.
So sorry to hear about Dave. I believe Mom, Eleanor Rider, and my brothers, Mark & Jamie Rider, knew Dave. I think it’s really cool that he remained in the Edmeston area and served the community so well there.
Kris and family,. I am so saddened to learn of David’s passing. He was certainly someone I was honored to know and work with him. I have sch wonderful memories of our bank Christmas parties. His heart for others was his greatest attribute. Gone too soon and will not be forgotten. Love and prayers to you all.
Deb Peter
Prayers of sympathy and condolences David’s Family and Friends. I will sorely miss this fellow high school classmate. Because of him some of us visit Gettysburg Battlefield and used his favorite and highly recommended guide to take us on a very educational and interesting tour of the Battlefield.
David will be missed.
Our most sincere sympathy to David’s family. He was a wonderful guy who will be deeply missed by many of us. He was always willing to help anyone in any way that he could.