In the Bible, when Sarah said “God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me,” she could have easily been speaking of David Priest, who shared the same sentiment. Born with a twinkle in his eyes from his first day on August 14, 1939 in Rochester, NY to his parents, Ruth (Albright) and Earl Priest, until the last moment here on January 26, 2025, God blessed David’s life with his laughter and joy through every moment.
And David’s legacy is simply his laughter, his faith and his love for people. Anyone that ever met him walked away smiling, laughing, or shaking their heads in disbelief over some story or blarney that he shared. Strangers were merely friends that he hadn’t met yet. Whether through his 32-year career with Rochester Gas & Electric, simultaneously for the Postal Service for 10 of those years, the greenhouse he worked for in retirement, at their winter home in Florida and even the last few years living with his daughter and family in Middleburgh, David’s quick wit and kind heart warmed and welcomed new friends into his life every day.
David generously gave of his time and talents too, whether a simple helping hand or fresh vegetables from his garden and homemade crafts. And in his leisure, you could find him tending his garden, watching the birds, maintaining his property and swinging his golf club around the green. He also enjoyed baking in the kitchen, painting the Christmas cookies and most of all taste testing for quality assurance!
Nothing brought him greater joy and pride though, than his granddaughter K-Lee and her son Sylas. A grandfather’s love is Heaven sent and he made sure they knew that.
Sharing his love and laughter forever are his wife and soulmate of 64 years, Ann M. (Jorgensen) Priest; his daughter and son-in-law: Marcia and Michael Guntert; his granddaughter and her companion: K-Lee and Justin; his great-grandson: Sylas and countless nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, his son: Mark Priest; his sisters-in-law: Eva Jensen and Christa Jorgensen and his brothers-in-law: Robert Jensen and Carl R. Jorgensen.
All are invited to a prayer service in celebration of David’s life at 10:00AM on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Main Street, Middleburgh, NY 12122
Another celebration of his life will be held at 11:00AM on May 17, 2025 at the DeLand House on Main, 1 E. Church Street, Fairport, NY for family and friends there.
Inurnment will eventually be in White Haven Memorial Park, Pittsford, NY.
David’s family requests memorial donations in his honor be sent to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, PO Box 311, Middleburgh, NY 12122 or to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Food Pantry, PO Box 629, Middleburgh, NY 12122.
Please visit www.coltrainfuneralhome.com to share online condolences with David’s family.
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