David E. ("Pete") VanDeMark

David Edmund “Pete” VanDeMark, age 79 of Brooktondale, NY passed away Friday, February 24, 2023 after a valiant fight against cancer.

Born October 11, 1943 he was the son of the late Edmund and Grace Gee VanDeMark and was a lifelong resident of Brooktondale, NY. Dave was born with a love of Six Mile Creek and the surrounding countryside. He was an avid golfer, an active outdoorsman and hunter, and greatly enjoyed the solitude and beauty of being outdoors. He loved time at his cabin hunting and laughing alongside his son and lifelong friends. Outside of the public eye, Dave was a quietly generous and caring person who was always willing to help a neighbor or someone in need. He took great pride in helping others as an active volunteer with the Brooktondale Fire and Rescue for over 60 years. He was a first responder holding various positions and offices throughout the years. He especially enjoyed the camaraderie of membership by participating in many chicken barbeques and pancake breakfasts. David was a pressman by trade, working his early career at Cayuga Press in Ithaca then transferring to Cornell University. In his retirement, Dave and Ann enjoyed traveling, making road trips to visit family and taking cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska and Panama Canal.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle, Dave was proud of his family. He is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Ann Whittaker VanDeMark; his children, Shelli (Rick Miller) and Scott (Bekah) VanDeMark. He was especially proud of his five grandchildren, Carter, Hunter and Beck Kendig and Andrew and Alexis VanDeMark. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Williams; his three brothers in law, several nieces, nephews and other extended family members including Arn and Kris Johnson.

The VanDeMark family sends special appreciation and thanks to the staff of Cayuga Cancer Center for their encouragement and support during Dave’s final journey. Their patience, kindness and exceptional quality of care allowed him to spend more time on the things that meant the most to him and for that we are extremely grateful.

A private family service will be held at the convenience of the family. A gathering in remembrance of Dave’s life will be held at the Brooktondale Fire Station on Saturday, April 8, 2023 starting at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Brooktondale Fire Department or a cancer charity of your choice.

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