Dr. David Dresser

Dr. David Dresser, 85, went to be with the Lord, on March 14, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born on November 4,1938, in Baltimore, Maryland, to James Leland and Elizabeth Jenkins Dresser and was a long time resident of Ovid, NY. David was educated at the Gilman school in Baltimore and attended Cornell University for his undergraduate studies where he was an All-American lacrosse player and member of Cornell’s Hall of Fame. He participated in the ROTC program and served as a pilot in the Vietnam war. He later pursued his Ph.D. in Higher Education at Syracuse University. He spent the majority of his career as “Dean Dresser” serving students at Eisenhower college and later at Ithaca College. David was known for his service to others and leadership in community affairs. He was school board president, town supervisor, and member of numerous boards. He was instrumental in establishing the STEPS program to provide transportation for needy citizens and volunteered with the Red Cross and United Way. David was devoted to his family and cherished spending time with his loved ones. He especially valued family reunions at his home on Cayuga lake. These were filled with spirited tennis matches, sailing, swings on the hammock, and abundant ice cream treats. David modeled the important values of hard work, generosity, and integrity to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his wife Judy, and his siblings Herbert Dresser (Robin) and Lisa Stewart. He is survived by his children; Lynn Schmitt (Steve), Lee Dresser (Laurie), Cindy Woodford (Craig), step-daughter Sarah Myer, and his siblings; Ellie Duram (Mike), Anne Kocur (Frank) and brother-in-law, Michael Stewart, along with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He will remain forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues. A celebration of life is planned for August 10th at the Ovid Federated Church in Ovid, NY, where David worshiped and served for many years. May God’s love and faithfulness to David always be remembered. Donations in his memory may be made to the Red Cross.

Tributes

Dr. David Dresser

March 14, 2024