David W. Ferdon, Ph.D

David W. Ferdon, Ph.D, of New Hartford, New York, died unexpectedly at home on October 25, 2007. He was 56. He was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, son of the late Wilbur and Margaret nèe Metting Ferdon. He was raised in Norwalk, Connecticut, graduating from Norwalk High School, in 1969. He earned a B.S., Physics from Wilkes College, an M.S., Physics from University of South Carolina, and a Ph.D., Physics from University of South Carolina. He was a Professor of Physics and Engineering Science at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica, New York at the time of his death. He previously was an Instructor of Astronomy at University of South Carolina, a Professor of Physics at Wofford College, an Instructor of Physics at Greenville Technical College and a Professor of Physics at the Naval Academy Preparatory School. David was very committed to his students, working tirelessly to impart his considerable knowledge to them. He took great pride in his work, and though he demanded achievement from his students, he was loved by them for his kind, gentle manner, and wry sense of humor. He owned a consulting firm, Miletus Services, working with attorneys to determine the physical cause of tragic events. His last consulting job was done for his brother's law firm from 2005-2006 and involved reading, interpreting and indexing thousands of technical documents in a products liability action involving a chemical explosion, and working with chemistry experts worldwide to attempt to discern the cause of the explosion. David was a lifelong bachelor, and marched to the beat of his own drum. He always expressed his opinion, without concern for the political ramifications of doing so. Frugal to a fault, he saved everything and fixed anything that broke, rather than buying a new one. He enjoyed telescopically photographing celestial objects, building furniture and restoring old automobiles. He is survived by a brother, Dennis, a sister-in-law, Pamela Najarian and two nieces, Valerie and Olivia, all of East Lyme, Connecticut. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at a time and place yet to be determined. Donations in David's memory may be made to the MVCC Foundation to establish a scholarship for Engineering Science students.

David W. Ferdon, Ph.D

September 5, 1951 - October 26, 2007