Mr. David Lee "Dave" Conkling

Mr. David Lee “Dave” Conkling, age 37, of Utica, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family at his side. Born in Little Falls on April 28, 1973, David was the son of Arlene (Sweet) Smith and John David Conkling. He was raised and educated locally. In 1999 Dave met his soul mate and best friend, Rosanne Taurisano, and the couple shared a true love for each other. She was his longtime companion and the love of his life. Dave enjoyed his work and his co-workers at Divine Brothers Manufacturing. He was a multi-faceted employee specializing in machine operations. He was also a man of character, strong willed and determined, and a provider to his family. Those who knew Dave appreciated his sense of humor and loved his light-hearted wit and wisecracking ways. He followed football, especially his favorite team, the New England Patriots. Occasionally, he enjoyed the casino experience with family and friends. In his younger years he enjoyed fishing, and in quiet moments he derived pleasure in listening to music or watching television. Dave is survived by his companion, Rosanne; his cherished daughter, Hannah Conkling; and his parents, Arlene and Milton Smith of St. Johnsville, and John D. Conkling of Hammond, NY. Survivors also include his sisters, Paula Kooi-Conkling and Jay Vrooman of Utica, and Colleen Anne Conkling and fiancé Jason Gilchrist of St. Johnsville; his brothers and sisters-in-law, John D. Jr. and BillieJo Conkling of Norwich, and Jeff S. and Debbie Conkling of Utica; aunts and uncles, Joyce, Carol, Annie, and Eileen; many nieces and nephews with special mention of Robert, Kayla, Jeffrey, Brittany, Cody, Tyler, Jason, Eric, Sabrina, Alyssa, Natalie, Zach, Nito, Vanessa, Elycia, Salvatore, Justin, Caleb, Michael, and Jocelyn; his cousins with whom he shared many childhood memories, Matthew, Jason, Sandy, Kelly, Rusty, and Tammy; his in-laws, Robert “Bobby” Taurisano and Kelly of Utica who treated him as a son-in-law, and Jeri Taurisano; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, James Taurisano, Melissa & Al Taurisano, Teri Taurisano, Brandin Schilingo, and Stephanie Taurisano; and his special friend Terri who was like a sister to him. He was predeceased by his aunt and uncle, Yvonne and Bruce Guile; his cousin, Sabrina Darajh; and his grandparents, including Mike Taurisano, Sr. David’s family is grateful to the entire staff of Divine Brothers Manufacturing, especially acknowledging Brian and Ken who were like his extended family. David’s family will honor and celebrate his life in a private gathering. Relatives and close friends are respectfully invited to attend his funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Sunday afternoon at 4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. David Lee "Dave" Conkling

April 28, 1973 - January 12, 2011