Obituary of David L. Erskine

David L. Erskine, 68, of County Route 71, Jasper, passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 28, 2023 at St. James Hospital in Hornell after being stricken at home. Dave was born in Hornell on December 9, 1954, the son of Lester W. and Janice Campbell Erskine. He attended Canisteo Central School from where he was a 1973 graduate. On April 20, 1974, Dave and the former Sharon J. Heintzen were married at the United Church of Jasper. Dave and Sharon made their home on the Heintzen farm in North Jasper where they were engaged in the operation of their dairy farm with Sharon’s parents, John and Mary Heintzen. In 1998, Dave left the dairy operation and began a long career as a mechanic at the Glen Harbor Marina in Watkins Glen. Following his retirement, Dave spent a lot of time with his Amish friends and neighbors. He was an avid deer hunter and for several years was an active stock car racer at both Woodhull and Dundee Raceways. A talented mechanic, he also enjoyed repairing and maintaining tractors and building ratrods. Dave is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon Erskine of Jasper, his children, Kevin Erskine of Woodhull, Dawn (Donald) LaFever of Bolivar, Debra Erskine at home and Jeffery Erskine (Kara Pritchard) of Campbell, his grandchildren, Tabitha (William) Dombrowski, Lauren Grover (Bryan Champlain), Christopher (Madison) Grover, Avery Erskine and Riley Erskine. his great grandchildren, Amira Dombrowski and Aurora Grover, his mother, Janice Erskine of Canisteo, his siblings, Karen (James) McGlynn of Bath, Kathy (John) Townsend of Bath and William (Gail) Erskine of Williston, VT along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Dave was preceded in death by his father, Lester Erskine, his great granddaughter, Isabella Dombrowski and his sisters, Terry O’Dell and Suzanne Erskine. A memorial observance will be held privately for family. Memorial donations are requested for a non-profit to fight congenital heart disease created in memory of Dave’s great granddaughter, Hearts for Isabella at www.heartsforisabella.com/bella. Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull.