David J. Wilkinson

David J. Wilkinson

January 13, 1961 - March 7, 2025

David J. Wilkinson of Schenectady, NY passed away of natural causes Friday, March 7, 2025 at the age of 64. David was predeceased by his parents John and Jean Wilkinson. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law Beth and John Flanagan and nieces Kayla, Krista and Kiley Flanagan. David is also remembered by his Aunt & Uncle Margaret and Dennis Bozic, Uncle Earl McMillan, Uncle Jack Treddenick as well as several cousins and many friends.

David moved to Schenectady with his family in 1966 and never left. He graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1979 and received his Bachelor of Science in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in 1983. David held a variety of jobs during his lifetime. Over the past 19+ years, David has worked for the State of New York.

David had many interests that remained constant throughout much of his life. He started playing the violin in grade school, and continued to play through high school and college (RPI Orchestra and RPI Players). After college David performed with the Union College and Community Orchestra, the Music Company Orchestra and the Sage City Symphony. In addition to playing the violin, he also loved attending musicals at Proctors Theater and going to concerts with friends.

During his childhood, David’s parents bought a sailboat and joined the Mayfield Yacht Club (MYC), sparking David’s love of boating. David eventually got his own boat and joined MYC, where he was an active member. He served as Radio Committee Chairperson for several years. David also served as Secretary for the Lake George Power Squadron from 2017-2024. His love of boating influenced his vacation choices, especially his adventures on the Schooner Heritage in Rockland, Maine.

Light & sound design was another hobby of David’s. He grew up attending the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady (UUSS). When he was a teenager, David began helping with sound during worship. He continued volunteering in that capacity for decades, with commitment and care for his religious community. In community theater, David served as sound chairman for the Schenectady Light Opera Company (SLOC) and did lights, sound, and set construction for several SLOC and Schenectady Civic Players shows. David also offered his services as a disc jockey, primarily for weddings. His family most remembers his disc jockey services at the 50th Anniversary party for his parents.

A celebration of David’s life will be held Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady, 1221 Wendell Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12308.

David’s sister would like to express her gratitude to several folks who cared for or supported David as his mobility declined, including the staff at the Troy Center, the UUSS Caring Committee, Celia Murray and George Crannell.

To honor David’s life, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made in his memory to the Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady (https://uuschenectady.org/donate/) or to the Sage City Symphony (https://sagecitysymphony.org/support-us-donate).