David E. Vermilya, 68

David E. Vermilya, 68, of Seneca River, Baldwinsville passed away suddenly after a short illness on March 24, 2017. Born in McGraw, N.Y., to Robert and Margaret Vermilya, David grew up in Manlius, attending the First Baptist Church.
He traveled widely across the country with his family, from New York state to California, falling in love with national parks and people from all kinds of diverse backgrounds in order to maintain relationships with his parents’ extended family on both coasts. He became best friends with his younger sister Lois early in life, the two of them maintaining a very special relationship throughout adulthood until today. The Vermilya family has always been known for welcoming hospitality, generosity, a true love of people, respect for the earth and devotion to civic service.
He is a graduate of Fayetteville-Manlius High School in 1966 and Hobart College in 1970. He took a position on March 7, 1971, at Town Shop Youth Center as a youth worker extraordinaire. He was consistently patient, respectful and warm to all teens. He often said “it is an honor and privilege to serve the youth of Camillus.” He received numerous awards and recognitions over his career. In 2000 he and Cheryl received the Syracuse Post Standard Achievement Award.
He enjoyed hiking, bird watching, kayaking and cross-country skiing. He was a practical joker, photographer, lover of music and festivals and true buddy with Smokey Bear his Maine Coon Cat. He also loved homemade food from Cheryl, which he never forgot to thank her for.
Survived by his wife Cheryl, his college sweetheart he married in their college chapel in 1970; a sister who was his soul-mate Lois Vermilya and husband Leonard Weslowski; a niece Alana Bryant and husband Derek Bryant; a nephew Owen Weslowski who will marry his beloved Lorri Lanning on June 3, 2017; and a sister-in-law L. Brooke Johnson.
A celebration of David’s life and work with the Town Shop will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at Shove Park, 1 Shove Park Drive, Camillus. Friends are invited to come at any point during those hours and stay as long as they want. Casual attire please. All music will be from David’s famous mixes. Food and refreshments will be available at the facility by outside vendors.
Arrangements are by the B.L. Bush & Sons Funeral Home, Camillus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camillus Town Shop, 4600 W. Genesee Street, Syracuse, NY 13219. Please visit blbush.com to write a tribute, post photos and videos.