In Memoriam
David W. Brenner
Dec. 20, 1931 – Mar. 04, 2022
ONEONTA – David W. Brenner, 90, passed away March 4, 2022 at Cooperstown Center Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.
David was born December 20, 1931 in Blooming Grove, NY, the son of Lee D. and Henrietta (Maxwell) Brenner. He was the oldest of 10 children. The family lived in various towns in and around Newburgh NY.
David Graduated from Washingtonville High School in 1949. In 1950 he enlisted in the United States Army, achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant. His assignments included Germany and several posts in the United States. He was honorably discharged in 1954 at the completion of his service.
David married Lois I. Erickson on September 5, 1954 at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Brooklyn NY.
Following their marriage, they moved to Oneonta so that David could attend SUNY Oneonta on the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1957 and achieving a master’s degree in 1959. After graduating college, he taught at Schenevus Central School and at Clarkstown Central School in New City, NY. He then returned to SUNY Oneonta as Student Teacher Supervisor, before becoming Director of Registration and Records, and eventually Associate Dean of Students, retiring after 35 plus years. During his time at SUCO, David was very proud to have received his Ph.D. from SUNY Albany School of Public Affairs.
David was elected a member of the newly formed Otsego County Board of Representatives, where he served for 16 years as chair of all committees and serving as board Vice Chairman and Chairman. In 1985 he was elected Mayor of the City of Oneonta, a position he held for 12 years.
David was very active in political committees and various other community organizations, including, the Otsego County Republican Committee, Future for Oneonta Foundation, Greater Oneonta Historical Society, A.O. Fox Hospital Executive Committee, SUCO College Council, Oneonta American Legion, Oneonta Elks Club, a 50-year member of Oneonta Rotary Club, and was on the Otsego County Federal Credit Union Board of Directors. He was a member of St. James Episcopal Church and served on the Vestry as Senior Warden for many years.
David was recognized for his contributions to education and community by being awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence, SUNY Distinguished Alumni Award, NAACP Oneonta Chapter Thurgood Marshall Unity Award, and with Lois, the Hartwick College Citizen Board Outstanding Citizens Award, plus many other recognition’s for service by various organizations.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lois Brenner of Oneonta; children, Janice Brenner and husband, Stephen Courter of Milford, Donald Brenner and Patricia Foland of Raleigh, NC; and Douglas Brenner and Kathleen Henderson of Oneonta; grandchildren, Mariah (Courter) and husband, Nick Adams; Jaclyn Courter, Luke Courter, Sophie Brenner, Maxwell Brenner and Erickson Brenner; his siblings, Frances Spicer, Cleo Schacker, and William Brenner; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; and siblings, Lee D. Brenner, Lee William Brenner, John Michael Brenner, Maryetta DeGeorge, Katherine Feliciano, and Nancy Casio.
His friendship, sense of community, and duty to others will be sorely missed by family, friends and all who knew him.
Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, March 11, at the Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta.
The funeral service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 12, at St. James Episcopal Church, 305 Main St., Oneonta, with the Rev. Kenneth Hunter, as celebrant.
Interment with military honors at the Glenwood Cemetery, Oneonta, will be held at a later date.
Donations may be made to The David Brenner Scholarship, checks payable: College at Oneonta Foundation, c/o SUNY Oneonta 308 Netzer Administration Building, 108 Ravine Parkway, Oneonta, NY 13820; www.oneonta.edu/give Dr. David Brenner Scholarship designation; or to the Future for Oneonta Foundation, Inc., PO Box 134, Oneonta, NY 13820.
Online condolences may be sent to, www.lhpfuneralhome.com