Obituary of David D. Pitcher

David (Dave} Pitcher, 79, of South Apalachin, New York, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, NY with his family at his side. Dave was born March 18,1943 in Waverly, NY to Derwood and Margaret (Goodrich} Pitcher. Dave is survived by his wife of 60 years, LesLea (Staley) Pitcher, his children Pete, Karen (Rob) Scovell, Dan and Matt, Grandchildren, Dylan, Wyatt, Jordan, Hunter, Coulson and Connor, siblings Zeruah Jane, Priscilla (George) Powley, Norman (Susan), Nancy (daughter Gopi) and several other nieces, nephews, cousins, sister-in-law Connie (Tom) Cherry, brother-in-law Hugh Staley. After graduating from Allegany Central High School in 1961 where he was an outstanding scholar and athlete Dave accepted a music scholarship to St. Bonaventure University where he discovered his true calling was education. Following graduation, Dave started his career teaching English in Frankfort, NY, then moved on to Owego, NY where he taught for 20 years. He received his Master's Degree from Elmira College. Dave then moved into industry as head of Technical Publications at Ingersoll Rand Corp. in Athens, Pa., but Dave's passion for teaching never faded. While working full time in the private sector, he continued to teach as an Adjunct English Professor at Elmira College, Tompkins -Cortland Community College, and Broome Community College (later SUNY Broome), well into his 70's. Dave was a loving husband, father and Boppa. All of Dave's interests included his family. He passed his passion for reading and music on to all of his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed wood working building the family home, barn, shop and custom furniture. On his small farm he raised Quarter Horses and Australian Shepherds. He enjoyed being out on his property, observing nature, gardening, and target shooting. Other hobbies included restoring and using his antique tractors, camping with family, and coaching which he did at every level from T ball to JV football. Dave had an incredible memory for detail and remembered the names of students he would meet even 40 years later. Dave will be sorely missed by all of his family, lifelong friends and neighbors all of whom he was ready to help in a heartbeat. A Celebration of Dave's life we be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in Dave's memory to the Apalachin Fire Department/EMS at 230 Pennsylvania Avenue, Apalachin, NY 13732.