David John Waterman

David John Waterman (74), a long-time resident of Dryden, NY, died on Friday, April 21, 2023, at his home in Dryden. 

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 30, 12 p.m., at Perkins Funeral Home,

55 West Main Street, Dryden, NY 13053.

David was born September 19, 1948, in Norwood, Massachusetts to Dorothy and Ronald Waterman. He was one of five children. He graduated from Clarkson University (1971) with a degree in mechanical engineering and spent his career designing innovative industrial and scientific machinery.

David had an inquisitive mind and a kind heart. His knowledge and skills spanned many subjects, and he had a wonderful trait of making his children’s varied interests his own. He loved a challenge and lived life to the fullest. His pursuits included many adventure sports, including windsurfing, skate sailing, ice hockey, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

He had a genuine interest in local history and enjoyed researching, hypothesizing, and writing about the original settlers of Dryden. This fascination with the past was characterized by historically-informed home renovation projects and artifact preservation including the restoration of a WWI Tommy airplane with a group of local historians. 

David was a thinker, artist, and inventor. He enjoyed deep discussions on the subjects of philosophy, math, science, and spirituality. His professional inventions were impressive, though he often took equal pleasure in MacGyvering neglected items into insightful solutions for home projects. He was always comfortable disassembling, repairing, and adjusting mechanical systems, computers, or vehicles. He was a naturalist with a deep connection to the land. He enjoyed camping and homesteading, spending much time outside working on his own land and in his garden.

David lived generously. He always made time for his family, making everyone feel exceptional in their own way. He was a special man with an incredible searching mind and family heart.

He is survived by his wife Cynthia Maynard Waterman, his children Cheryl (Scott) Hulseapple, Richard Waterman, John (Andrea) Waterman, Bradford Waterman, Estelle Waterman, his brother Ronald (Joan) Waterman, his sister Marjorie Townsend, numerous nieces and nephews, and his grandchildren Andrea Hulseapple and Jessa Hulseapple. He was preceded in death by his sister Lorraine Hossfield and his brother Wilfred “Billy” Waterman. 

Those who wish to express sympathy, please consider making a donation to the Dryden Town Historical Society to honor David’s love of local history. Visit drydennyhistory.org; 607-844-9209.

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