SARATOGA SPRINGS — David C. True, Sr, beloved husband, father, and grandfather peacefully passed away at his home on June 18, 2022, with his wife Muriel and family at his side.
He was born on October 28, 1932 in Syracuse, NY the youngest child of Donald S. and Pearl “Deb” Waldorf True. He graduated from Nottingham High School in 1950 and was a cum laude graduate of the University of the State of New York at Cortland in 1954.
He served his country in the United States Army in a Military Police Unit stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico from 1954-1956, He played on the base basketball team. Following his honorable discharge in 1956, he began his graduate studies at Syracuse University, eventually earning his Master of Science degree in Education in 1960.
On November 30, 1957, he married the former Muriel Kurak at Valley Presbyterian Church in Syracuse, NY. They would have celebrated 65 years of a happy life together this year.
His teaching career began in the Delevan-Machias school district in rural western NY. In 1959 Dave and Muriel moved to Norwich, NY where they spent the next 42 years. David taught physical education in the middle school, coached varsity baseball for 25 years, coached 7th and 8th grade football for 10 years and taught health education in summer school a few years. He retired from teaching in 1991 after 35 years. At his retirement dinner, it was made clear he was respected and liked by his colleagues, students, and players.
In retirement, David focused his time and skills on civic, community, and church activities. Among them were Literacy Volunteers of America; Health educator for American Cancer Society; Advocacy for AARP; City of Norwich Zoning Board. He was appointed to the NYS Education Commission by former Governor Mario Cuomo. He was a member of the Norwich Elks Club and the PBA Association. He was a member of the United Church of Christ in Norwich for 45 years. He served as Moderator during the year of Pastor Joe Connolly Jr. ordination. He also served on several Boards and Commissions including Prudential, Pastoral Relations, Finance and the Board of Trustees.
David was an avid sports fan who followed the NY Giants since early childhood days, His favorite baseball team was the Minnesota Twins. He traveled to Minneapolis twice and to Ft Myers, FL for spring training games several times. David and Muriel were season ticket holders for Syracuse University lacrosse, basketball, and football for many years. They gave up their tickets when they moved to Saratoga.
He enjoyed participating in sports and played in the CBSL softball league in Chenango County for several years. David played basketball once a week at the high school with a group of faculty members. He loved playing tennis and joined the YMCA to play drop-in tennis and eventually joined a men’s league and a mixed doubles league with Muriel when they moved to Saratoga. He enjoyed downhill skiing which he started when his children were young. It became a family sport for many years and continued well into retirement years with his wife. He was pleased to be able to ski with his grandchildren well into his 70’s. Cross country skiing was always an alternative to get outside and exercise in the winter.
Everyone who knew Dave would describe him as a Good Guy. He had a great sense of humor and often entertained friends with stories from growing up in Syracuse with some unbelievable characters. His Norwich friends were skeptical about them until they met some of them on periodic visits to Norwich and discovered they were true. He had a large circle of friends from childhood, military service and Norwich who kept in contact. Dave was a man of integrity, modest, kind, and loved his family He will be missed.
He is survived by his wife Muriel True; his children, Patricia Covell (David), Pam Hart (John), and David Jr.; three grandchildren, Sarah and Emily Covell and Brian Hart; sister-in-law, Kerry Kurtus all of Saratoga Springs and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents he was predeceased by sisters, Connie Lima, Elizabeth “Bootsie” Lambert and a brother Donald S. True, Jr.
The family would like to thank Dr. David Shaffer at Albany Med for his years of caring service and Community Hospice for outstanding kindness and care of David during his final days. For those wishing to remember David with a charitable contribution, the family suggests Community Hospice of Saratoga 179 Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs, NY or American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.
At the family’s request the calling hours and interment with military honors at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery will be private.
There will be a Memorial Service for David on Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs. A reception to greet the family will follow the service. Light refreshments will be available.
For a longer version of the obituary and online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
