In Memory of David A. Burnham

Obituary

David A. Burnham, 77, of New Hartford, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2023 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.

David was born at St. Luke’s Hospital in New Hartford on July 31, 1946, to the late Floyd H. and Grace Burnham. He grew up in Utica and New Hartford, graduating from UFA. He was honorably discharged from military service after serving in Vietnam.

He was a furnace and air conditioning technician for 45 years. David also served his community as a volunteer fireman and EMT with the New Hartford Fire Dept for 40 years.

David’s love of his family was immeasurable. His children and grandchildren gave him so much joy. Whenever he spoke of them, you could see the love and pride in his eyes. David and Beverly were married for 36 fabulous years, and their love for each other was pure, honest, and forever.

David truly loved the outdoors, whether camping with the family, hiking with his kids, riding his bike (which he rode from New Hartford to Old Forge just a few times!), or just sitting in front of a campfire.

The precious times he had to spend with his grandchildren gave him so much joy. He loved sharing his sherbet with Phoenix, or just watching Ember run around listening to her laughter.

Being a fireman/EMT was something David was very proud of. His compassion, kindness, and abundant knowledge was an asset to the Department, and made him the man you would want helping you in your darkest moments.

He will be greatly missed by his family, as well as the community he served so proudly.

David leaves behind his wife, Beverly; his children, son Bryan and fiancée Tara of PA, son Kris and wife Haylee of SC, daughter Dana Sally and husband Sam of Yorkville, and stepson Michael Hines of New Hartford; his grandchildren, Phoenix Sally, Ember Sally, Andrew Burnham, and Jacob Burnham; a sister-in-law, MaryAnn Parker and husband Don of Sandy Pond, NY; a brother-in-law, Jeff Judge of Cassville, NY; his close friends from NHFD, Clark Mosher, Bill Frieberger, Dave Reynolds, and Bill Wren; and his best buddy, his dog Smokey Bear. He was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Jack Burnham; and a sister, Kathleen Burnham.

The family would like to thank the 3rd and 4th floor nursing staff at St. Elizabeth’s for their care and compassion.

Services will be held on Friday, September 15, with visitation from 4-6 PM and a service at 6PM at the Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in Holy Trinity Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Hartford Fire Dept., the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Association, or your local animal shelter.

For online expressions of sympathy go to fwefh.com