STAR LAKE, HARRISVILLE & GOUVENEUR – David Christopher Nawotniak, 69, formerly of Harrisville, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs.
Born on January 27, 1947, in Buffalo, he was the son of the late Benedict J. and Genevieve (Jaworski) Nawotniak.
On January 21, 1967, he married Jill Feeney at Holy Family Church in Buffalo.
David served his county, enlisting in the United States Marine Corp from 1966 to 1968. After working in the Buffalo area for a time, he followed a dream of being a New York State Trooper. David loved serving and protecting the people of New York. He worked most of his entire 26 ½ year career at the Star Lake and Gouverneur State Police Barracks. During his time in the Harrisville area, he also had a farm that he loved and operated. David also served with the Scuba Team with the NYS Troopers.
He loved scuba diving, he dove all over in lakes, caves and oceans and he passed this love onto his son Mark, who dove with him. David also enjoyed fishing in the Adirondacks and on his boat in Florida and hunting.
After his retirement, David became a “Gourmet Chef” of sorts. He took pride in the preparation and quality ingredients that he used for the meals he created for his family and friends. Because of his high culinary standards, he preferred to prepare his own meals, rather than go out and eat. David’s moto was “if you leave the table hungry, it’s your own fault”.
David will be remembered as a husband wonderful of 49 years, a Marine, a State Trooper, a father, a grand father, brother, uncle, friend. He was the most resilient person never breaking, never changing. David was “family man”. He was “love”, never judging and always filled with forgiveness, sacrifice, kindness, and dependable.
His motto was “Don’t try! Do!”. His mind worked like an engineer doing, building, fixing anything. David’s number one love was family and friends. His number two love was the farm and all the memories
created. David was a teacher and confidant, with a passion in the simple things. He always accomplished his goals and lived with no regrets. He will be missed by all that graced his life and never forgotten.
This illness did not take him; he did not lose. He followed this path as another challenge, never faltering and always accepting his fate.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Nawotniak.
He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Jill Nawotniak of Fort Edward; his children, Mark (Kimberly) Nawotniak of Queensbury and Lorrie (Rae) Gosselin of Whitehall; his four grandchildren, Zachary and Bridget Nowatniak and Alyssa and Makayla Gosselin.; his brother, Robert A. Nawotniak of Buffalo; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a time of remembrance on Tuesday, November 29th, from 5 to 6 pm at the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc., 68 Main Street in Hudson Falls. Memorial thoughts and prayers will be offered at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be sent to the Disabled American Veterans, 201 Stratford Rd, Schenectady, NY 12308.
Dave was a great friend, mentor & Trooper. He was the best partner there could be – esp during ice storms! 😉 I have often missed him & Jill since they moved south and am saddened to learn of his passing. My prayers to Jill & the kids…until we meet again old friend.
Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Very sorry for your loss. Only met him few times but have always remembered him 😓
my prayers and thoughts go out to your family. let god be your comforter.
Barb & I send our thoughts and Prayers to you (Jill) and your family that the good lord will welcome Dave with open arms.
I worked many nights and years with Dave and we had many a laugh together over situations we responded to and the people we met in our line of work. We both loved visiting the two of you at the farm here in the North country, sorry we could not connect when you were in Florida and we spent enough time in your area after we retired. The best to you in the future as a fellow “Bird watcher”, Blue Birds, that is.
Bob an I want to send you our condolences. Jill, Mark and Kim, Zachery and Bridget Lorrie and Rae, Alyssa and Makayla and your extended family. Dave was a great friend and was always ready to give a hand when ever we needed him. Bob loved to go fishing with him, ( but not 25 miles out in Florida). We had many good times with all of you. At the farm, at Lake Bonaparte, in Florida and any time we got together. May you find peace knowing he was loved by so many. Rest in Peace, Dave.
Dave was an inspiration to both his brother NYSP and family. He was such a warm and loving person like his mom (Jean). People made him happy, and making others laugh is what hid did best. I love him like a father and best friend and know he will be joined together again with his family.