David was r eared in Andover and Alfred, attending both school districts, and graduating from Alfred -Almond High School in 1970. He continued his education at Alfred State College, earning his associates degree in 1972. He immediately entered the work force, starting at Air Preheater as a draftsman before returning to Alfred Cable Systems , for whom he worked in High School. He found his career in Cable and Internet Services, being employed by Alfred Cable Systems and Hornell TV Cable until the y were purchased by Time Warner. For his last few working years, he was self-employed, pursuing yard-care maintenance. Additionally, during the ‘90’s he helped part-time at The Andover House. Outside of his employment, David was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Andover. His passion was sharing his God-given talents with others, he was naturally talented with speakers and sound system technology. He volunteered at his church where he ran the sound, and set-up the technology for Pulpit in the Park, ran the sound equipment for Delta Lake Bible Conference Center’s annual Family Camp every summer for over 20 years , and installed sound systems for several local churches and businesses . Twice he designed and built speakers for an a mateur s peaker c ompetition in Ohio . Outside of building speakers from scratch, he enjoyed Camping (especially at Deer Run), sailing at Foster’s Lake, was a dog (Heidi and Emma) lover, and enjoyed Science Fiction like Doctor Who and Star gate series .
His family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hart House for the comfort they provided in his final hours .
In addition to his wife of almost 52 years, Linda, he is survived by: children, John (Karen Dunham - ) Sootheran of Newburg, OR, Janet (Peter) McClain of Alfred, and Jeff re y (Bethany) Sootheran of Chiang Mai, Thailand ; grandchildren, Justin McClain, Micah McClain, Rebecca Sootheran, Elizabeth Sootheran, and Benjamin Sootheran ; siblings Mary Beth (John Dolan) Sootheran of Wellsville, and Margaret Lynn e (Kent Simmonds) Sootheran of Decorah, IA; as well as several niece s , nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two siblings, Beatrice Joan Lester, and John Edward Sootheran.
Following David’s wishes, there will be a private family graveside service . Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life and dinner on Saturday, September 21, 2024, starting at 5 pm in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 5 Ro chambeau Avenue , Andover, NY 14806. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery of Andover. Please consider memorial donations to Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, 6420 Pillmore Drive, Rome, NY 13440 . To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.