David Cress

David Lawrence Cress

Age 82, of Branchport, NY, passed away at his home on August 2, 2024 after a brief illness, his loving family at his side.

David was born on June 7, 1942 in Lowell, Massachusetts, the son of Ernest C. and Bertha (Emery) Cress.

David spent over 20 years in the military having served in the United States Navy, United States Coast Guard and the United Sates Army. The highlight of his military career was to have served on the United States Coast Guard cutter Eagle. He always had a soft spot in his heart for her.

He graduated from the Physician Assistant Program at Kettering College, Kettering, Ohio in 1975 and worked in earlier years covering remote clinics in the Adirondacks and at the Emma Laing Stevens Hospital, Granville, New York. David later retired from the VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, New York after 20 years of service. He was known for his clinical expertise, compassion, and fun spirit. In retirement, David spent many winters in Key West and Tampa, Florida, living his best life.

Survivors are David's wife of nearly 45 years, Kathleen, his three children: Cheryl (Kim) of Jeffersonville, Ohio, David (Marlene) of Conyers, Georgia, and Sarah Nielsen of Spencer, Tennessee. In addition, he is survived by five grandchildren: Macy Cope, Brendan Gavette, Christian Nielsen, Claire Nielsen and Aaron Nielsen; along with six great-grandchildren: Madelyn, Cameron, Charlotte, Marsali, Madison, and his namesake, David; his sister Lorelei (Ron) Nickerson of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire; cousins, Lois Denaro (James) of Littleton, Massachusetts and Jeffrey Emery (Lee) of Dixmont, Maine; and many nieces and nephews. David was pre-deceased by his parents, his sister Dorothy Cress Wine (Mark), and many dear family members.

A Celebration of Life will be announced in the future. David will be buried with full military honors at the New York State Veteran's Cemetery (formerly Sampson Memorial Veteran's Cemetery) Ovid, New York at a later date.

Much gratitude is extended to Dr. Pulverino and the medical staff at the VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, New York, Dr. McHugh of the Sands Cancer Center, Canandaigua, New York, Karen Strickland and the staff of the UR Medicine Hospice, Weldon Funeral Home, and long-time friends, Deb Eveland and Bob and Rosemary Knapp for their support.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Wounded Warrior Project in David's name (WoundedWarriorProject.org) The Weldon Funeral Home of Penn Yan is assisting the family. Condolences for the family may be left in his obituary at www.WeldonFuneralHome.com