SHERBURNE – David Symonds, 81, of Sherburne, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2013 with Florence, his wife of 53 years holding his hand.
He was born April 1, 1932 in Smyrna, a son of Martin and Ruth Alling Symonds. David was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having proudly served during the Korean Conflict. Being one of the only survivors of his unit, he earned a good conduct medal, a major battle medal and a National award. Upon his return, David began a 43 year career at G.L.A. (most recently know as Unison). At the same time, he was an active member of the Knights of Columbus; VFW Post #2782, where he served as Commander and then advanced to be the County Commander; and the B.P.O. Elks Club in Norwich. In addition, he became active in the American Legion Post #876 in Sherburne where he served as Commander. Throughout the years, David, along with Florence, family and friends, catered many dinners at both the VFW in Norwich and the American Legion in Sherburne, providing good times for all. He enjoyed fishing and card games with family and friends.
David is survived by his wife, Florence; his six children, John (Butch) and Denise Symonds of VA; Debbie Wheeler of Norwich; David (Sam) Jr. and Annette Symonds of TX; Mark and Donna Symonds of MI; Jackie and Dean Utter of Chittenango; and Terri and James Smith Jr. of Delmar. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Bernice McNeil of Norwich and Ruth (Sissy) Hawkins of OH; 23 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He also helped raise nieces and nephews, who he loved as his own: Robert and Sue Marano of VA; Linda Cunnane of MA; Donald and Dorothy Unger of Binghamton; and Barbara Biamonte of NC. David was predeceased by his parents, son-in-law, Ken Wheeler, and several brothers, sisters, and in-laws.
David (Dave, Pa-Pa, Grandpa, Uncle Davey, Sod-buster) is loved and will always be in our hearts.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 from the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, followed at 11 a.m. by the celebration of a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Malachy’s Church, East State St., Sherburne.
Interment with military honors will follow the service in St. Malachy’s Cemetery.
Friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m.
The rosary will be recited at 3:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to St. Malachy’s Food Pantry, PO Box 722, Sherburne, NY 13460; or to the American Legion Post #876, South Main St., Sherburne 13460.
To send a condolence and sign the Book of Memories go to www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com.