David Allan McCormack, 73, of Wiccopee, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and a United States Army veteran, passed away on September 28, 2021 at home, after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loved ones. It was a life defined by his service to his family, country and all those who crossed paths with him throughout his life. Known as Dave to his many friends and family, he was the person you would call if you were in trouble and always there to support you in your time of need.

Dave is survived by his wife, Jean "Cathy" Newhard; daughter, Leslie and her husband Vijay of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Stephanie and her husband Michael of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Rachael and her husband Napoleon of Jacksonville, FL; son, Kermit of Atlanta, GA; his grandchildren, Emily, Liviya, Nadiya and Nico; his siblings, Kermit and Suzie McCormack of Cumberland Center, ME, JoAnne McCormack-Wilson of Rougemont, NC and Douglas and Jeanette McCormack of Chesterfield, VA; and many cherished nieces and nephews who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Born on November 3, 1947 in Paterson, NJ, David was the son of Kermit and Linda (Ferber) McCormack. Dave went on to join the United States Army in 1969 and served as an Administrative Personalist until he was honorably discharged in 1971. Afterwards, Dave attended East Carolina University where he earned a Master's Degree in US History in 1977.

Dave's love for history led him to a 30-year career with the National Park Service. Throughout his career he helped to protect and preserve many historical sites. He was a leader amongst his peers and always looked after his fellow Park Rangers. Dave started his Park Service career working as a Museum and Park Technician at the Carl Sanburg NHS in North Carolina form 1977-1981. He was responsible for the park's resource management and protection programs and spent time assisting with interpretation and public contact. During those years he also traveled to Naval Station Mayport in Jacksonville, Florida where he briefly taught US History to Navy Personnel. In 1981, he ended up making the move to Jacksonville, FL where he worked at Fort Caroline NHS as the Senior Park Technician. He was responsible for planning, management, and supervision of the interpretive, visitor services, resource management and protection services until 1984. He then transferred to Greensville, Tennessee where he worked at the Andrew Johnson NHS under the same position as previous until 1986. When the opportunity presented itself, he accepted a job in San Juan, Puerto Rico where he worked at San Juan NHS. He served as Supervisory Law Enforcement Ranger. He also taught US History to soldiers stationed at Fort Buchanan. Dave was detailed to the US Virgin Islands to cover operational services during staffing shortages in 1988. Around 1990, Dave then decided to head back to the states where he took a position in St. Augustine, Florida at the Castillo de San Marcos until 1992 as Chief Ranger. Dave ended his Park Service Career in Scranton, Pennsylvania where he worked at Steamtown NHS. He served as Chief of Visitor Services and Resource Management Division. He retired from the park service in 2004, and still had a drive to continue in the work force. In 2006, Dave took a position as a Special Investigator for Kroll Government Services. He conducted background investigations for national security and public trust positions. Dave has a Top-Secret Clearance, and was able to conduct investigations for positions that were requiring Secret, Top Secret, and Sensitive Compartmental Information.

Dave married his first wife in 1970, which resulted in four beautiful children born between 1976-1985. Dave was very close with his children and loved to make trips down to Florida to spend time with them. In 2004, Dave married his second wife, the love of his life, Cathy Newhard where they settled down in Wiccopee. They spent the next 17 years building an amazing life together. Their love for one another never wavered and for all who knew them, they were meant to be.

In Dave's spare time, he loved to golf, travel, ski and spend time with his family and friends. His love for history was apparent to all as he could instantly remember any time and any subject when asked by others. He was a great storyteller and could hold the attention of the room. For Dave, it was the simple things in life; a cold beer in his hand, a good book to read or just hanging out by the wood burning stove in the winter months with his wife. He will truly be missed by several and cherished forever by his wife, children and family.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday at 10am at St. Columba Church, 835 Route 82, Hopewell Junction.

Memorial donations may be made St. Columba Church, PO Box 428, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533.