Mr. David A. Maggi

UTICA – Mr. David A. Maggi, age 71, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, December 14, 2025, reuniting in eternal peace with his beloved parents. Born in Utica on October 24, 1954, David was the son of the late Louis A. and Anne M. (Biamonte) Maggi. He was a graduate of T. R. Proctor High School, Class of 1972. Immediately following his graduation, he furthered his education at SUNY Oswego, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. In pursuit of protecting those in need, David went on to earn his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University and upon graduating and passing his District of Columbia Bar Exam, he immediately gained employment with the federal government. David had a long and distinguished career in public service as an attorney for the United States Department of Commerce. Beginning in the 1980s, he managed the evolution of the Department's ethics practice from an ancillary task of administrative lawyers to the comprehensive stand-alone office it is today. He rose to become the Department's premier ethics official. During his tenure with the Department, David received numerous awards, including both Gold and Silver Medal Awards for his extraordinary service and significant impact in shaping the government-wide standards of conduct. David oversaw eight presidential transitions where he personally advised several generations of the Department's most senior employees, and was recognized throughout the Department as an innovative, creative, and thoughtful leader. He was also highly respected in the federal ethics community at large, and routinely served on task forces with ethics officials of other executive branch agencies to resolve common ethics issues and concerns. His expertise in ethics law served as an example and a resource for the U.S. government ethics community, and for officials in other countries interested in instituting procedures to combat government corruption. While maintaining rigorous standards, David was a benevolent, fair-minded manager. He cared for the employees under his oversight, trained them well, and was adept at promoting their strengths and helping them to be successful. He was a master in generating an esprit de corps within his office. He encouraged creativity, the use of color, props, and other devices to aid in ethics presentations. He was quick-witted and planned the best office parties. “Mr. Maggi was committed to government service and instrumental in developing ethics policies that guided the Department in maintaining integrity in its programs and among its employees, and the impact of his contributions are extensive. He was respected and beloved by his former staff, his colleagues, and the thousands of employees he served over his long career.” He retired after 45 years of dedicated service. David was a low-key, easygoing presence who preferred a quiet life and kept mostly to himself. He didn’t seek attention, but those who knew him well appreciated his dry, understated sense of humor. David found contentment in simplicity and was valued for his authenticity, thoughtfulness, and the gentle wit that surfaced at just the right moments. David shared a close familial bond with his parents before him and his siblings, where, although they did not communicate daily, they always picked up right where they left off. He did not need to reach out daily for family and friends to know that he cared for them. On his personal time, David volunteered as a Certified Ombudsman for the Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman, where he would venture to numerous nursing homes to advise patients on their rights with the facility. A true testament to his character and protective personality. A devout Catholic, David was a lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, carrying on the faith passed down from his parents. David is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Maggi Maggi, and Gary and Erin Maggi, nieces and nephews, Benjamin and Sarah Maggi, and Nicholas and Joaneé Maggi; and great-nieces and great-nephews, Harrison Loui, Max, Arianna, Gianna, and Lily. He was predeceased by his niece, Regina Jackson and her husband Van Jackson. A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring at a date and time to be announced.

Mr. David A. Maggi

October 24, 1954 - December 14, 2025