NORWICH – David F. Diefenbacher, 86, of 15 Westcott Street, passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012 at his home.
Born in Norwich on Dec. 13, 1925, David was the son of Charles E. and Margaret Ellen (Condon) Diefenbacher. He was educated at St. Paul’s School and graduated from Norwich High School. Dave served in the United States Navy as an armed guard during World War II where he travelled around the world, passing through the Suez Canal and seeing the Great Pyramids of Egypt. After his discharge from active service, Dave worked for sixteen years for the O&W Railroad and later in Sodus Point, then returned to Norwich where he was a bartender at the Norwich Elks Lodge for thirty-five years.
Dave was a member of St. Paul’s and St. Bartholomew’s Churches. He was also a life member of the Norwich Elks Lodge #1222 BPOE where he held all of the offices there, including the Exalted Ruler. He was also a life and 65-year member of the VFW and a life member of the American Legion. Dave was also a member of the Moose, Eagles (in Cortland), Owls and a charter member and Seam Squirrel of The Cooties, a fun organization of the VFW. He was also a 3rd and 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus.
Dave is survived by his brother, Charles Diefenbacher of Norwich, and a sister, Ellen Magistro, and her husband Anthony of Norwich; two sisters-in-law, Josephine Diefenbacher of Greene, and Marie Christian of Oxford. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was predeceased by four brothers, Thomas, John, William and Robert Diefenbacher, and a sister-in-law, Ruth Diefenbacher.
A Mass of Christian Burial for David will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13, at St. Bartholomew’s Church. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery. There will be no calling hours.
Contributions in memory of David may be made to the Memorial Fund of either St. Paul’s or St. Bartholomew’s Church.
The arrangements are under the direction of the Wilson Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.