David was reared in Andover and Alfred, attending both school districts, and graduating from Alfred-Almond High School in 1970. He continued his education at Alfred State College, earning his associates degree in 1972. He immediately entered the work force, starting at Air Preheater as a draftsman before returning to Alfred Cable Systems, for whom he worked in High School. He found his career in Cable and Internet Services, being employed by Alfred Cable Systems and Hornell TV Cable until they were purchased by Time Warner. For his last few working years, he was self-employed, pursuing yard-care maintenance. Additionally, during the ‘90’s he helped part-time at The Andover House. Outside of his employment, David was an active member of the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church of Andover. His passion was sharing his God-given talents with others, he was naturally talented with speakers and sound system technology. He volunteered at his church where he ran the sound, and set-up the technology for Pulpit in the Park, ran the sound equipment for Delta Lake Bible Conference Center’s annual Family Camp every summer for over 20 years, and installed sound systems for several local churches and businesses. Twice he designed and built speakers for an amateur speaker competition in Ohio. Outside of building speakers from scratch, he enjoyed Camping (especially at Deer Run), sailing at Foster’s Lake, was a dog (Heidi and Emma) lover, and enjoyed Science Fiction like Doctor Who and Stargate series.
His family would like to extend a special thank you to the Hart House for the comfort they provided in his final hours.
In addition to his wife of almost 52 years, Linda, he is survived by: children, John (Karen Dunham-) Sootheran of Newburg, OR, Janet (Peter) McClain of Alfred, and Jeffrey (Bethany) Sootheran of Chiang Mai, Thailand; grandchildren, Justin McClain, Micah McClain, Rebecca Sootheran, Elizabeth Sootheran, and Benjamin Sootheran; siblings Mary Beth (John Dolan) Sootheran of Wellsville, and Margaret Lynne (Kent Simmonds) Sootheran of Decorah, IA; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two siblings, Beatrice Joan Lester, and John Edward Sootheran.
Following David’s wishes, there will be a private family graveside service. Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life and dinner on Saturday, September 21, 2024, starting at 5 pm in the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, 5 Rochambeau Avenue, Andover, NY 14806. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery of Andover. Please consider memorial donations to Delta Lake Bible Conference Center, 6420 Pillmore Drive, Rome, NY 13440. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
I remember David well as sweet child. He always seemed very happy. David was the center of his family and was much loved by his siblings.
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