David P. Warner

David P. Warner (Dave), 86, of Saranac Lake, N.Y. went to be with the Lord July 8, 2025 with his family by his side.

Dave is survived by his wife of 62 years Nancy Thoma Warner; his sons Mark (Carolyn) of Chesapeake, Va. and Matthew (Rosemary) of Saranac Lake; and his grandchildren Brandon (Rachael) of Casselberry, Fl., Bryan (Cassidy) of Potsdam, N.Y., Courtney Youngs, Travis DeFuria, and David J. Warner all of Saranac Lake, N.Y. as well as 4 great grandchildren and a sister Barbara Warner Hawkins. Dave was predeceased by his parents David E. and Anna Peterson Warner.

Dave was born in Middletown, Connecticut, but grew up in Middlefield, Connecticut where he enjoyed all the adventures and mischief of rural America. He bought his first car at age 11 with money he earned from mowing lawns and his second car at 13 years old. He fondly remembered running around in his father’s fields with friends in these cars and occasionally, the roadway when he needed to “pop the clutch” to get these gems started. At 15 years old his driving skills were put to good use when the butcher at the local market where he worked cut himself badly and Dave, without a driver’s license, had to rush the bleeding butcher to the hospital.

Dave graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Middletown, Connecticut in 1956. He then attended Upsala College (now shuttered) in East Orange, New Jersey, where he met Nancy, the love of his life. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1960.

After graduation Dave became an industrial salesman for Esso, now ExxonMobil, at numerous locations throughout New Jersey and subsequently at other large industrial firms.

In 1972, wanting his sons to enjoy the adventures and mischief of rural America, Dave moved the family to Centerbrook, Connecticut where he established the family homestead and his boys enjoyed all the adventures and mischief of rural America.

While living in Connecticut Dave held many roles at the Ivoryton Congregational Church, was involved in his boy’s journey in Boy Scouts serving as committee chairman and attended many camp outs. Additionally, in retirement, Dave volunteered at Middlesex Memorial Hospital.

Dave was an accomplished and avid boater having the fortune of owning many different boats that he and his family used across Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, Gardiner’s Bay, and surrounding areas. Always attentive to details and concerned about protecting his family earned Dave the nickname of “Captain Worry” from his boating peers but “Captain Worry” always brought his family safely back to port even if there were some harrowing adventures. Interestingly, Dave’s boating peers often turned to him for seamanship advice.

Dave’s love for the water was strong and, in retirement, it pulled him to spend many hours alone in his boat on Long Island Sound fishing for stripers, blue fish, flounder, and just about anything that would bite. Not only did Dave enjoy catching fish he thoroughly enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends and neighbors.

The sea, however, was not as strong a draw as family and in 2007, he and Nancy moved seasonally to Saranac Lake. The continued desire to be with family caused Dave and Nancy to move to Saranac Lake in 2011 full time. Dave was always amazed at the kindness shown to them by the people of Saranac Lake whether it was a neighbor or a random community member.

While in Saranac Lake Dave quickly transferred his knowledge of fishing, and his desire to be on the water, to freshwater fishing where he forged lasting memories with his family. Never being one to sit idle, Dave also volunteered at Adirondack Medical Center and for Mercy Care for the Adirondacks.

Dave was a gifted gabber. Yes, Dave loved to talk! Those who knew him can attest that Dave was rarely at a loss for words, a skill that not only led him to success as an industrial salesman but also led him to start conversations with just about anyone who paused to greet him, known or unknown, Dave would start a conversation. Not only would Dave start conversations with just about anyone willing to listen, but he was also equally at ease sharing his opinion succinctly and without ambiguity. One was never uncertain where Dave stood on an issue.

By far Dave’s greatest source of pride was not his seamanship; not his success in business, not his volunteer roles, his fishing prowess; nor his oratory diatribes but his family. Nothing brought Dave more pleasure, greater reward, or more joy than being with his family, seeing them thrive and succeed as they defined it, not as he defined it. If his family was happy and content, then he was happy and content.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home in Saranac Lake. Memorial services will be held August 9, 2025, at 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Saranac Lake. The family will have a celebration of life afterwards at a location to be announced. A private burial will be held at a later date at the families’ convenience.

Dave requests memorial contributions be made to Tunnel to Towers or a charity of your choice.