Obituary of David H. Elsbree

DAVID H. ELSBREE, 85, of Greenville died on Saturday, October 31, 2015 at home among family and friends. Born in Cambridge, MA to Esther (Harby) and Hugh L. Elsbree, he is predeceased by them and his step-father, Donald Cook. David grew up in Hanover, NH and Preston Hollow, NY. He graduated from Middleburgh Central School in 1948. He and Patricia McCabe married in Preston Hollow on November 25, 1949. David retired in 1994 from his position as President of the Pioneer Insurance Company following thirty-seven years of service. He was appointed Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors and also served on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Insurance Services and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, he was a member of the Conference of Casualty Insurance Companies and the New York Insurance Association, and served on the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Coxsackie both as a member and as Vice-Chairman. David was a multi-talented man, skilled at farming, mechanics and carpentry. He first came to work in Greenville at the Steven's Farm Store. David enjoyed traveling. He and Patricia visited most of the fifty states, they made three trips to Alaska, one by automobile and two with their motor home. They reached the southern most point of the U.S. and the northern most point. Twice he paddled in the Adirondack Canoe Classic 90 Miler Race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, once with Patricia and once with his sister, Susan. He was an avid bridge player, skier, golfer and camper and a beloved friend to many. David managed Little League and Babe Ruth teams from the time that Kenny began playing until Wayne finished. He enjoyed the Greenville High School athletics as a spectator. He served as a member of the Youth Council and as a member of the Greene County Planning Board. He served with the Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Greenville Fire Company and Rescue Squad. He held several offices at The United Methodist Church of Greenville and Norton Hill. He volunteered with the Greene County Department of the Aging by delivering meals, and was an active Red Cross blood and platelet donor for twenty years. In addition to his wife, David is survived by their children: Christiane Elsbree (John Nomura) of Seattle, WA, Kenneth H. (Geraldine) of Surprise, Jeffrey L. (friend Sandi Dollinger) of Albany, David Andrew (Susan Kayne) of Rensselaerville, Wayne P. (Melody) of Howell, NJ, Steven W. (Victoria) of Albany; twenty grandchildren: Stephanie Nomura-Henley (Vernon Henley) of Port Orchard, WA, Jennifer M. Nomura and Elisheva "Elise" T. Nomura of Seattle, WA, Kenneth J. Elsbree and Kristopher D. Elsbree of Eugene, OR, Keith W. Elsbree (Dawn Fuerstenberg-Elsbree) and Kevin C. Elsbree of Lakewood Ranch, FL, Joseph L. Elsbree, Kayla J. Elsbree, Matthew R. Elsbree and Elizabeth A. Elsbree of Surprise, NY, Alida Mirabelli Elsbree Fabian (Michael Fabian) of Freehold, NY, Caleb Mirabelli Elsbree of Greenville, NY, Rachel Carter of Cohoes, NY, Wayne P. Elsbree, Jr. of Jackson, NJ, Melissa L. Elsbree (Michelle Buban) of Brick, NJ, Ryan D. Elsbree (Jessica) of Chesterfield, NJ, Nicole M. Libertini of Filetto, Italy, Cristine E. (Mervin) Rodriguez of Latham, NY, Gabrielle J. Elsbree of Albany, NY; nine great-grandchildren: Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor (Casey Gainor) of Seattle, WA, Lydia Rose Johnson of Surprise, NY, Kaylie Brook Elsbree and Tanya Paige Elsbree of Howell, NJ, Addison Marie Elsbree of Brick. NJ, Francesco Libertini, Lorenzo Libertini, and Luca Libertini, of Filetto, Italy, Valentina L. Rodriguez of Latham, NY; brother, John L. Elsbree (Anne) of Washington, DC; sister, Susan Torre (Anthony) of Sun City Center, FL; aunt, Ann H. Cunningham of Wellesley Hills, MA; uncle, William Harby (Marilyn Pappas) of Cambridge MA; previous daughter-in-law, Eileen M. Elsbree of Greenville, NY; and several nieces and nephews. His family greatly appreciates the support of extended family and friends who by their visits, calls and notes sustained him and them through his final days. Calling hours will be on Friday, November 6th from 4 to 7 PM at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home 4898 State Route 81, Greenville, NY 12083. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 2 PM at the United Methodist Church of Greenville and Norton Hill 5830 State Route 81, Greenville. There will also be a memorial service on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at the Bayard L. Elsbree Memorial Park at a time to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the United Methodist Church of Greenville and Norton Hill, PO Box 599, Greenville, NY 12083, Bayard L. Elsbree Memorial Park, 3077 Route 145, Preston Hollow, NY 12469, Columbia-Greene Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 or to the Greenville Public Library, PO Box 8, Greenville, NY 12083. Condolences can be posted at ajcunninghamfh.com.