David G Whitford , VRHS Class of 1953
Rensselaer- David G. Whitford age 76, of Rensselaer peacefully entered into eternal life on Thursday, January 3, 2013 at Samaritan Hospital in Troy. He was born in Proctor, VT and moved to Rensselaer as a young boy, graduated from Rensselaer High School and remained an active resident of Rensselaer for the rest of his life. Dave was an avid reader and he loved music. In his younger years, he played the clarinet in a band, the Buddy Wilbur Trio. One of his favorite watering holes was the Manor Inn and listening and dancing to the Old Wazoo Band with his wife Helen. He loved going to Vermont every year during summer vacation with his 6 children, wife Helen, and Trixie the family dog. Many wonderful memories were made at Lake St. Catherine with extended family and dear friends. Dave enjoyed being Italian by marriage and had a great time whenever he got together with his many in-laws, nieces and nephews. Dave was a member of the Rensselaer Pumper no. 4 Fire House. He enjoyed marching in the Memorial Day Parade with the Members of Pumper no. 4 back in the day. Dave retired after 38 years of service with the NYS Department of Criminal Justice Services, where he made lifelong friends. He was a very active member in the Rensselaer Little League, being a player agent for 6 years, and then President for 17 years. He loved to sing barbershop music and joined the Uncle Sam Chorus. He then started his own group, the Joyous Sound. Dave sang in the lead position, singing at various church events, park events, and nursing homes. People enjoyed listening to his beautiful voice. He was so honored when he was asked to sing solo in a few weddings. One of Daves many accomplishments was being sober for over 29 years. After the passing of his first wife, Helen, Dave met Pat. They have been married for 8 years. They shared the love of singing in the Joyous Sound together, which is now called the David Whitford Joyous Sound Barbershop Gospel Singers. The group renamed the Joyous Sound in his honor. He was truly touched and honored by this wonderful gesture. Dave and Pat also enjoyed trips to Vermont, working on jigsaw puzzles together, and watching old movies. Pat has been by his side through his many health issues these last couple of years, taking good care of him. Dave's affiliations included: Retired Master Sergeant from the National Guard; Member of the David Whitford Joyous Sound Barbershop Gospel Singers, previously the Joyous Sound; Member of the First Baptist Church on Washington Ave. in Rensselaer; One of the founding members of the DCJS Golf League; 12th Ward Alderman. Son of the late, Agnes (John) Hughes and George Whitford. Brother of Richard (Faye) Whitford of Lake Clear, NY Predeceased by his 1st wife, Helen Theresa (Carlotti); his youngest son, Robert John (Wimpy); and his youngest daughter, Nancy Ellen. Survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, James (Karen) Whitford of Clifton Park; Terri (Douglas) Zobre of Poughkeepsie; Judith Whitford of Rensselaer; Deborah (Paul) Dwyer of Rensselaer; daughter-in-law Suzanne (Robert) Whitford; Grandchildren, Cassandra, Carley, Bryan, Scott, Benjamin, Tiffany (George Rosario), Shannon, Anthony and Nicholas; Great grandchildren, Xavier, Elias and Isaiah; . Dave is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, and one sister-in-law, Anne Rodino. Also survived by step-children: Don (Patti) Hogan, Diane Hogan/Duane Bailey, Dawn Hogan, Jim Hogan, Patty Hogan/Russ Clements; step-grandchildren: Meghan and Bridget Hogan, Jaclyn, Amanda, and Louis Giancamillo; Travis and Jennah Hogan; step-great-grandchildren: Cora Jusino, Milo Scatteregia and Lilyanna Giancamillo. Funeral from the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home 1700 Washington Avenue Rensselaer Tuesday morning at 10 AM. All are welcome to attend. Relatives and friends are invited and may call the the funeral home Monday from 4-8 PM. Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Greenbush.