David H. Elsbree

David H. Elsbree

GREENVILLE — David H. Elsbree, a “multi-talented man” according to his family, died on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015, at his home among family and friends.

Mr. Elsbree was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, to the late Esther (née Harby) and Hugh L. Elsbree. He grew up in Hanover, New Hampshire and Preston Hollow.

He married Patricia McCabe, in Preston Hollow, on Nov. 25, 1949.

He was president of the Pioneer Insurance Company upon his retirement in 1994; he worked for the company for 37 years. He was appointed chairman of the company’s Board of Directors and also served on the Board of Directors for the American Association of Insurance Services and the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

He was a member of the Conference of Casualty Insurance Companies; a member of the New York Insurance Association; and served on the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Coxsackie as both a member and vice chairman.

“David was a multi-talented man, skilled at farming, mechanics, and carpentry,” wrote his family in a tribute. “He first came to work in Greenville at the Stevens’ Farm Store.”

Mr. Elsbree enjoyed traveling, and he and his wife traveled to most of the 50 states. They made three trips to Alaska — one by car and the other two in their motor home. They reached the southernmost point of the United States, and the northernmost point.

He competed twice in the Adirondack Canoe Classic 90-Miler Race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, once with his wife, and once with his sister, Susan.

He managed Little League and Babe Ruth teams from the time his oldest son started playing until the time his youngest son finished playing. He enjoyed Greenville High School athletics as a spectator.

Mr. Elsbree served as a member of the Youth Council; was a member of the Greene County Planning Board; served with the Tri-Village Volunteer Fire Department; was a member of the Greenville Fire Company and Rescue Squad; volunteered with the Greene County Department of the Aging by delivering meals; and was an active Red Cross blood and platelet donor for 20 years.

He also held several offices at the United Methodist Church of Greenville and Norton Hill.

“He was an avid bridge player, skier, golfer, and camper, and a beloved friend to many,” wrote his family.

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In addition to his wife, Patricia, Mr. Elsbree is survived by their children, Christiane Elsbree, and her husband, John Nomura, of Seattle, Washington, Kenneth H. Elsbree, and his wife, Geraldine, of Surprise, Jeffrey L. Elsbree, and his friend, Sandi Dollinger, of Albany, David Andrew Elsbree, and his wife, Susan Kayne, of Rensselaerville, Wayne P. Elsbree, and his wife, Melody, of Howell, New Jersey, and Steven W. Elsbree, and his wife, Victoria, of Albany.

He is survived by 20 grandchildren: Stephanie Nomura-Henley, and her husband, Vernon Henley, of Port Orchard, Washington; Jennifer M. Nomura and Elisheva “Elise” T. Nomura, of Seattle, Washington; Kenneth J. Elsbree and Kristopher D. Elsbree, of Eugene, Oregon; Keith W. Elsbree, and his wife, Dawn Fuerstenburg-Elsbree, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; Kevin C. Elsbree, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida; Joseph L. Elsbree, Kayla J. Elsbree, Matthew R. Elsbree, and Elizabeth A. Elsbree, of Surprise; Alida Mirabelli Elsbree Fabian, and her husband, Michael Fabian, of Freehold; Caleb Mirabelli Elsbree, of Greenville; Rachel Carter, of Cohoes; Wayne P. Elsbree, of Jackson, New Jersey; Melissa L. Elsbree, and Michelle Buban, of Brick, New Jersey; Rydan D. Elsbree, and his wife, Jessica, of Chesterfield, New Jersey; Nicole M. Libertini, of Filetto, Italy; Cristine E. Rodriguez, and her husband, Mervin, of Latham; and Gabrielle J. Elsbree, of Albany.

He is also survived by nine great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Kazuko Nomura Gainor, and her husband, Casey, of Seattle, Washington; Lydia Rose Johnson, of Surprise; Kaylie Brook Elsbree and Tanya Paige Elsbree, of Howell, New Jersey; Addison Marie Elsbree, of Brick, New Jersey; Francesco Libertini, Lorenzo Libertini, and Luca Libertini, of Filetto, Italy; and Valentina L. Rodriguez, of Latham; his brother, John L. Elsbree, and his wife, Anne, of Washington, DC; his sister, Susan Torre, and her husband, Anthony, of Sun City Center, Florida; his aunt, Ann H. Cunningham, of Wellesley Hills, Massachusetts; his uncle, William Harby, and his wife, Marilyn Pappas, of Cambridge, Massachusetts; his previous daughter-in-law, Eileen M. Elsbree, of Greenville; and several nieces and nephews.

The family greatly appreciates the support of extended family and friends who, by their visits, calls, and notes sustained him and them through his final days.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 Route 81, Greenville, New York 12083. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2 p.m., at the United Methodist Church of Greenville and Norton Hill, State Route 81, Greenville.

There will also be a memorial service on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016, at the Bayard L. Elsbree Memorial Park; time to be determined.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Greenville and Norton Hill, Post Office Box 599, Greenville, NY 12083; Bayard L. Elsbree Memorial Park, 3077 Route 145, Preston Hollow, NY 12469; Columbia-Greene Community Hospice, 445 New Karner Road, Albany, NY 12205; or the Greenville Public Library, Post Office Box 8, Greenville, NY 12083.

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