David “Big Dave” Ousterout

David G. Ousterout Sr., 65, of Endwell, NY passed away peacefully at his home with his devoted wife of 34 years, Eileen, by his side. Big Dave (“Ousty”) spent his last days the way he loved to live: creating laughter with his family and closest friends. Dave, a man of quiet and deep Catholic faith, was a member of St. Ambrose and had a lifelong devotion to the Blessed Mother. He was predeceased by his parents, Catherine and Donald Ousterout Sr., sister Mary Hoskins, and father-in-law Dr. Francis Hennessey. His legacy is carried on by his son David G. (Jamie) Ousterout Jr., brother Donald (Virginia) Ousterout Jr., brother-in-law Mark Hoskins, mother-in-law Margaret Hennessey, nephews Don (Joy) Ousterout III, Matt (Heather) Ousterout, Jon (Jordan) Ousterout, Pat (Lindsay) Ousterout, Chris Ousterout, nieces Amy (Nick) Donahue, Erin (Kerry) Tinder, and Jamie Hoskins, the Hennessey clan, and countless other family members and friends. Dave was born in Johnson City, NY and created immediate trouble for his parents, Don and Kay, and older brother, Don. Dave attended Seton Catholic Central where he loved playing sports, especially basketball. Dave was always a gregarious and active spirit, even at a young age —constantly making friends anywhere he went. As they grew up together, Dave always said that his big brother was his hero. Later in life, Don would say that Dave was his hero, too. Dave also spent a lifetime lovingly teasing his favorite little sister, Mary, including one infamous time when Dave wrote his affections on their parents’ garage door.
Dave’s career got a start with Marine Midland Bank where he met many lifelong friends, among them: Tony Tanzini, Tom Hall, Mike Doyle, Larry Stack, Ed Canfield, and Dave Drum. Looking to subsidize their active social lives, Ousty and friends established the Tumble On Inn, a reputable bar that served the common man. On one particular shift, Dave’s eye was caught by a young Irish lass with impressive Pac-Man skills. That evening would be the beginning of his partnership with the love of his life, Queen Eileen. Thanks to the persuasion of Brad Philips, Dave then joined Maines Paper & Food Service, where he spent 35 years mastering the art of convincing people to pay their bills. Along the way, he would find yet more great friends, including Pat Murphy, Danny Ingraham, and many others. On January 31, 1987, the apple of Big Dave’s eye, Dave Jr., was born during overtime of the Georgetown vs. Syracuse basketball game. Dave Sr.’s life was forever changed and fulfilled by being a father — Dave Jr. was the pride of his life. Dave was an incredible father that taught his son the value of education and a hard day’s work, the importance of family, the secrets to marriage, and perhaps most importantly, how to slip in a zinger without getting caught. He was extremely proud to send his son to Cornell University and eventually to Durham, NC to obtain his Ph.D. at Duke University. Big Dave and Little Dave were inseparable despite distance and shared in numerous Duke basketball national championships and Notre Dame football disappointments, as well as debating whether or not the Yankees were winning. Following in his father’s footsteps, Dave Jr. found his own Irish lass, Jamie, who would become Big Dave’s favorite daughter-in-law and brought the Leonard family (and annual Easter egg hunts) into his life. Every week, Big Dave could be found at The Corner or out to Friday dinners with close family friends, including Pat and Sherry Murphy, Tony and Ardith Tanzini, Danny and Peg Ingraham, Mike and Chris Doyle, Jaime Murphy and James King, and a changing cast of characters looking for a good laugh and a bite to eat. For many years, Dave went on a pilgrimage south for the annual golf trip, a tradition carried on by the Ousterout and Tanzini families. He enjoyed spending time with his brother Don, sister Mary and their families. Dave especially liked watching Yankees games with Don and Ginny and keeping the boys from knocking the house down. Despite never wanting pets, Big Dave kept an affection for his favorite parakeet, Bubbles, and loyal golden retriever, Max.
Our entire family is grateful to the Maines family, including Floyd, Bill and Tracy, and David and Tami, for their support over 35 years and especially in the last six years by supporting Dave and helping him secure the best care at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. We are also grateful to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, including Dr. Robert Motzer, Dr. Chung-Han Lee, Patty Fischer, Suzanne Gornell, Susanne O’Rourke, and the incredible teams that cared for Dave for over six years.
Funeral Services will be held Tuesday 9:30 am from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Ambrose Church at 10 am. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Johnson City. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Monday from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, we request contributions be sent to the Southern Tier Independence Center (STIC) at 135 East Frederick St. Binghamton, NY 13904.