In Memory of David S Shumway

Obituary

David S. Shumway, age 93, passed away peacefully Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the Masonic Care Community from complications of Parkinson’s Disease.

He was born on December 11, 1928, in Pittsfield, MA, the son of Olive Sedgwick Shumway and Sumner M. Shumway.

David grew up in Cooperstown, NY and attended school there. After graduation, he attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY then briefly taught English in New Berlin, NY before being drafted into the Korean War. David attended the Army Language School in Monterey, CA, where he learned Korean. He was then stationed in Tokyo as a Top Secret Military Intelligence Officer, tasked with breaking codes. A chance meeting with Marilyn Monroe while in California was a favorite memory of David’s.

Following his military service, David worked as an underwriter in the insurance business, first with Traveler’s Insurance, then with Amica Mutual Insurance where he achieved the position of Office Manager. He retired from Amica in 1993, after 26 years with the company, and 40 years in the industry.

David served on the Board of Directors of Industries for the Blind (Albany, NY) and the Presbyterian Home (New Hartford). He attended the Rotary Club of Utica, where he was
awarded the Paul Harris Fellow in 1994. David was involved in Masonry for over 50 years, and served as Master of Amicable Lodge F&AM #664 and as District Deputy. He was on the Board of Trustees for the Masonic Home for nine years. David was of the Presbyterian faith and attended Westminster-Moriah-Olivet Church for many years, where he served on various boards and committees.

David is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Florence (Friebel) Shumway, daughters Mary (Fred) Collis, Sandra (Steve) Goddard, grandchildren, Anthony (Sarah) DeSarro, Cassandra DeSarro, Hannah (Cody Mariotti) DeSarro, great-grandchildren Maci, Mylee, and Liliana, nephew Steven Huff. He was predeceased by his sister Sally Huff and nephew John Huff.

The family would like to thank his many caregivers in the Monroe Neighborhood of the Masonic Care Community for the excellent care David received over the past three years.

Please consider a donation in David’s name to Multiple Sclerosis Resources of Central New York, Inc. (https://www.msrofcny.org), P.O. Box 237, 6743 Kinne Street, E. Syracuse, NY 13057.

A private funeral service will be held at the convenience of the family. A memorial service to celebrate David’s life will be held later in the year.

Arrangements are under the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.