David Joseph Colegrove, 71, of Skaneateles, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 30, 2016.
David is survived by his five children, David Patrick (Marisa), Kevin (Kiyomi), Jessica Storey (Matthew), Andrea Shaver, and Edmond (Lauren); his nine grandchildren, Elizabeth, Carter, Rachel, Nicolas, Elena, Silvia, Gloria, Madelene and Emerson; his six siblings, Nancy Vail, Kathleen, Joy Cornell (Brian), John (Gayle), James (Mary) and Elizabeth Dann (Matthew) and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Margaret, of Elmira, N.Y.
David was born April 28, 1945, in Elmira, N.Y., and was a graduate of Notre Dame High School.  He received his bachelor’s degree from Le Moyne College in Syracuse.  David joined the United States Navy and admirably served during the Vietnam War on the USS Meredith.  Following a long career in the insurance industry, he became an advocate for and developer of alternative energy programs.  He was a longtime member of the Skaneateles community, raising his five children there and was an avid supporter of both Skaneateles and Syracuse University athletics.
David was a very social and active man with many loyal, loving friends.  He organized and completed marathons and triathlons, had a passion for reading and continuous learning, closely followed politics at all levels and loved to gather with friends to debate current events.  He loved the outdoors, especially the waters of the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain.  David was very proud of his Irish heritage, devoted to his Catholic faith and a committed member of the St. Mary’s parish.  His most treasured moments were spent gathering with his children, grandchildren, family and friends.  David’s lasting legacy will always be the profound impact he made on the lives of others.
A funeral mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1, at St. Mary’s of the Lake Catholic Church in Skaneateles.  All are welcome to celebrate David’s life.  A reception will follow at the St. Mary’s Parish Hall.  In lieu of flowers, David asked that contributions be made to the Southern Poverty Law Center at splcenter.org. To send condolences visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.