VOORHEESVILLE —  David Keim Teuten — a family man and community leader — died on Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2018.

“David was a protector of the bullied, cheerleader of us all, and wise sage to those who listened,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He could be stubborn and cantankerous and we will cherish our memories of him.

“David was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was close with his grandsons and loved being involved in their daily lives; he was also an extrovert and always willing to engage in conversation — on any topic, regardless of whether or not he knew anything about it. These traits made him a beloved and much-requested substitute teacher later in life. Both the teachers and students cherished his passion and energy.”

He was born in Oceanside, New York on June 4, 1940 to Leona and Edward Teuten, the third of four children. He spent much of his formative years in Venezuela, then Pennsylvania, with high school back in Oceanside. He kept traveling later in life, clocking trips to the Galapagos, South Africa, China, Australia, Alaska, and the Aegean Sea, as well as annual family trips to Cape Cod and Chicago.

After receiving his master’s degree at the State University of New York College at Oneonta, he moved with his young family moved to Albany and then to “the magnificent little village of Voorheesville,” his family wrote. There, he and his wife, Marguerite, raised their active family while he worked for the state of New York, first in the Public Service Commission and then in the Division of Parole. He retired in 2000, and became a substitute teacher soon after.

“While living in Voorheesville, David was active in every facet of the community,” he family wrote. “He was a school board member for a decade; a dedicated Democratic committeeman for years; deeply involved with his church, both as a lay minister and earlier as leader of the church youth group and spearheaded the haunted church every Halloween. Additionally, he served briefly as a volunteer fireman ...

“He left this world surrounded by family and friends.”

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David Keim Teuten is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marguerite (née Hallett); daughter Cate Teuten Bohn; son Edward, son-in-law Erick Bohn; grandsons Evan and Connor Bohn.

He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Barbara Teuten and Belinda Rivas; brother-in-law Roberto Rivas; nieces and nephews Alex Rincones, Cristina and Chris Laline, Robert and Karen Ma Rivas, Beva and Lliam Greguez, Daniel and Teresa Rincones; and grandnieces Madeleine Laline and Tonita Rincones.

His parents, Edward and Leona Keim Teuten, died before him, as did his elder brother, Laurence.

Services will be held at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Voorheesville. Friends are invited to  visit with the family on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. and his Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday at 10:30 a.m., with a reception following. Mourners may leave condolences online at reillyandsonfuneralhome.com.

In keeping with his desire to improve his world through local action, his family is suggesting donations to the New Scotland Community Food Pantry, Post Office Box 335, Voorheesville NY 12186, or to the Leona Keim and David K. Teuten Humanities Award at Voorheesville’s High School, Voorheesville, NY 12186.