Conesus/Utica: Promoted to the rank of Angel on July 26, 2020 after a valiant battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family at his home on Conesus Lake.
Preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Szczygiel, mother and father-in-law Mildred and Stuart Madore, brothers-in-law James Case and Bud Spellicy, and nephews Andrew Szczygiel and Jeffrey Case. David is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, M. Gail (Madore) Szczygiel; daughter Lori (Michael) Tedesco and their children John, Matthew and Kelsey; son Michael (Paula) Szczygiel and their children Mitchell and Ava; brother and best friend Steven (Loretta) Szczygiel; and sisters Monica Spellicy, Sabina Case and Dolores Szczygiel; brothers-in-law Stuart (Eileen) Madore and Vilas Madore; several beloved nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
Born January 27, 1937 in Utica, NY, David was the quintessential self-made man. From humble beginnings, he went on to a successful, 37-year career serving his state and country with the New York Army National Guard, enlisting in the 102 nd Military Police Battalion in 1959. He subsequently held a wide variety of high level command and staff positions, including serving as commander of the state’s 42 nd Infantry Division. His career culminated with his promotion to Brigadier General and his assignment as Deputy Commanding General, New York Army National Guard.
David’s civilian life included a long tenure with Niagara Mohawk Power Company. In addition to his many accomplishments, David remained a humble servant, living the creed of serving God, family and country. Baptized Roman Catholic, he was an active member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Geneseo. David was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He loved spending time with his five grandchildren, enjoying vacations with them, watching their sporting events and sharing his love of the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and treasured his times hunting with his son, brother, nephews and close friends. His love of country was always evident, from his flag flying on the shores of Conesus Lake (always lit at night) to his retired role with the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), including a term as president, and their efforts to support Honor Flight and other veteran-related causes.
In light of the precautions necessitated by COVID-19, a private service will be held for family and close friends at St. Michael’s Church in Geneseo. At the appropriate time, the family will hold a celebration of David’s life for family and his extended circle of friends. Donations in David’s memory can be made to Honor Flight Rochester, PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692 or at https://honorflightrochester.org/donations/ . To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Love you Uncle Dave! You will always be our leader, coach and inspiration. God Bless
gail and family I served under then Capt. Szczygiel from 1969-76 in the 102nd military police. I found him to be an outstanding officer .
Gail and Family, we are so sorry for your loss.
Good man, good soldier. He will be missed…but not forgotten.
Sincerely,
Dick and Gloria Buehler
We are very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace.
Dear Gail and Family,
We are very sorry to learn of Dave’s passing, may he rest in peace. You were both wonderful neighbors and friends to us when we moved next door to you on Washington Drive. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.Sincerely,
Jim and Mary Hogel
Dear Gail and Family, so sorry to hear of the Generals passing. He was such an inspiration. He was always true to his words. He never forgot where he came from. All of you have so much to be proud of. May God bless you and your family.May Dave RIP.
Joseph H. Spine, CW3 Retired
Dear Gail and family,
I was so saddened to hear of your loss when speaking with Leon the other day.May he Rest In Peace and May the Lord give you and your family the peace and comfort
Charles and Johann Komurek
Gail, So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. He was a strong person and a fighter. May he rest in peace.
To the wife and family. So sorry for your loss.
I am sorry to hear of your loss, Gail. My prayers are with you and your family. Dave was a strong guiding hand for our MOAA chapter and will be sorely missed. May your faith and your memories sustain you in this difficult time. Rosemary Luzum
Gail & Family,We are so sorry for your loss. Your loss is our loss also. We will miss Dave’s words of wisdom and encouragement at the MOAA Genesee Valley Chapter’s Board of Directors meetings and as president of the organization. We will also miss his perpetual electronic holiday greeting cards. His wit was boundless and his friendship everlasting. God rest your soul, Dave!
Dear Gail and family , our thoughts and prayers are with you all , may he “Rest In Peace “ Love, Dawn and Steve
Dear Gail, so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was a great soldier and friend. He’ll always be remembered as my General and our good times at the Lazy Paradise on Tug Hill. If there is anything I can do for you or the family please let me know.
Sincerely,
Bob Saiff
Gail ( Sissy) and FamilyI’m very sorry for your loss. May you find peace knowing that Dave is resting with the Lord. May all your memories you both created give you joy, peace and that you will see each other again. Praying that the comfort and the love of the Lord will sustain you and give the peace you deserve. Love to you and family during this time. Peace, Faith and most all Love
Gail, Lori , Michael and their families.
I am so sorry for your loss. David was a great husband,father and friend. He will be sorely missed.
If there is anything I can help you with, please let me know.
Linda Leeson
Gail and family. So sorry to hear about David’s passing. Please know our prayers are with the family at this time.
Prayers being sent you will always be in our hearts
Condolences to the friends and family. May he rest in peace.
Dear Gail and Family,
Signe and I are deeply saddened to hear of David’s passing. We developed a great friendship through our years together at MOAA and spent many hours
together at dinner and board meetings. We will miss his warm smile and always
positive attitude toward his family and the country he served so well. Please know that David is a presence strongly felt and appreciated and his memory will always
be in our hearts.
Col Bob and Signe Zale
Dear Gail and family
We are so sorry for your loss. I will miss nightly talks with Dave as he would stop with your beloved Sky. Poor Sky would just lay down in the road as she knew it would be awhile as Dave talked. All of us on DaCola Shores will sadly miss Dave as he was part of our road. If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.Sincerely,
Joan and Linda