David Slater Lewis, 75, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2017 surrounded by his loving family at UMH James G. Johnston nursing home, after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia. David was a devoted husband to Ellen Deuel Lewis for 31 years and a proud and supportive father to Darcie Lewis, Patricia Lewis, Kevin (Beth) Lewis, Nicole (Brian) Wagner and Jim Brownlow. He was Papa to Brendan and Nick Wagner, Ingrid Becker and will be Papa Angel to Baby Girl Lewis he didn’t get to meet. He was big brother to Donna Lewis Malarkey. He is also survived by brother-in-law Bob (Sarah) Deuel and sister-in-law Nancy English. He is predeceased by Don and Edith Lewis, Carlin and Doris Deuel, Jim Malarkey and Bob English. Dave was a 1961 graduate of Chenango Valley High School. During his youth he was an enthusiastic racer of twin engine go-carts and competed all over the Northeast. David was a career employee of IBM Endicott for 33 years. After retiring, Dave enjoyed working at Polar Shot Driving Range and Home Depot and loved to get out “chasing that little white ball” as often as he could. Dave was a kind and gentle soul with many interests and talents. Being a man of few words. when he did speak, you had better listen or you would miss out on something important or an example of his quirky sense of humor. Nothing was more enjoyable than seeing his mischievous grin spread across his face as he told a joke or story! His love of cars had him racing sports cars at Watkins Glen and in later years driving his corvette, Ruby. Dave was also a talented stained glass artist, avid gardener, builder/pilot of RC airplanes, and lover of his canine companions through the years. The family wishes to thank the very special caregivers who enriched David’s life: Michael Palmeri, Renee Connell, Charlie Arbuiso, Renee Daily, and the exceptional staff of unit 2 at JGJ Nursing Home. Expressions of sympathy in his memory can be made to Office for the Aging, Yesteryears, or Vestal United Methodist Church memorial gifts.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, December 30 at 11 am at the Vestal United Methodist Church, 328 Main Street, Vestal. The family will receive friends 10-11 am before the service.