DAVID M. SEAMAN SR.
OXFORD – David Michael Seaman Sr., 84, long-time resident of Oxford, NY, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on May 8, 2015. Dave was predeceased by his wife of nearly 57 years, Sarah L. Seaman; his parents, Howard and Lena (Lord) Seaman and his brothers John (Bud) Seaman, Richard Seaman and Donald Seaman and Sister, Betty Ann (Seaman) Wales. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend.
David married Sarah L. Tefft in Oxford on February 1, 1958. Surviving are his four children; Sally and Howard Nickerson of Binghamton, NY; David (Crockett) and Gelenda Seaman of Oxford, NY, Lori and John Twomey of Canastota, NY, Lana and Michael Clark of Oxford, NY. Also, six grandchildren: Dave (Melissa) and Heather Seaman, Jesse and Ryan Nickerson , Adam and Cody Clark; four great-grandchildren, Aiden, Damien, Charley-Rose, Contessa; his Brothers, Robert and Fran Seaman, Charles and Joan Seaman; Sister, Jane and Morris Eccleston, Sisters-in-law, E. Donna (Richard) Seaman, Delores (Don) Seaman; Brother-in-law Wayne (Betty Ann) Wales; several nieces and nephews, dear family friend Linda Tewksbury and special caretaker Terry Sherwood.
Dave was born in Cobleskill, NY on November 20, 1930. He graduated from Guilford High School in 1950, where he was an All-Star Football and Basketball player. He later joined the Norwich “Y” Giants, a semi-professional football team. Dave entered the US Air Force in 1951. He attended Missouri State College for advanced military studies. He was stationed in Weisbaden, Frankfort, and Landstuhl, Germany. Dave received an honorable discharge in 1955. Following his military service he was a home delivery milkman for Guilford Dairy, and later was a Machinist/ Repairman at Crescent Corset Factory in Oxford, NY. In 1965, Dave began his 27 year employment at the New York State Veteran’s Home, where he advanced through positions within the Food Service department, until his retirement in Nov of 1992.
Dave was a member of the Oxford American Legion Post #376 for forty-four continuous years and the Sidney Elks Lodge #2175. He was the honorary “Chairman of the Board” at the Oxford Tavern, where everybody knew his name, his friendship and his generosity. Dave enjoyed coin collecting and for many years cultivated a high-yielding vegetable garden, which he shared with many in the Oxford community. Dave was well-known for his exceptional culinary talents, providing delicious feasts for family get-togethers, reunions, weddings and a variety of party events. Dave loved to entertain guests during pool parties at their home with a “high-dive” surprise.
Most important to Dave was his wife and family. Gatherings at the Greene Street home always included laughter, great food, sing-a-longs and an abundance of love!
As per Dave’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to commemorate the lives of both Dave and Sarah Seaman. In Dave’s memory, donations can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes Street, Norwich, N.Y. 13815.
Those wishing may express their condolences by visiting the funeral home’s website at behefuneralhome.com. The family welcomes you to share your special memories of Dave and how he touched your life. These will be displayed at his Celebration of Life ceremony.