Schenevus, NY - SCHENEVUS - David M. Staruck, 81, passed away peacefully Jan. 26, 2026, surrounded by the quiet dignity of a life well lived.

David was born Dec. 3, 1944, in Oneonta, the beloved son of Leo and Jeanne (Merrill) Staruck. He grew up in Schenevus and graduated from Andrew S. Draper Central School, where the roots of his lifelong commitment to service and community were first planted.

In 1963, David proudly enlisted in the United States Navy, serving aboard the USS Oriskany as a plane captain during the Vietnam War. His service was marked by dedication and courage, earning him two Bronze Stars before his honorable discharge in 1967.

On July 27, 1968, David married the love of his life, Helen Szot, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Schenevus. Together they built a life grounded in family, faith, and hard work until Helen's passing March 6, 2007, a loss David carried with quiet strength and enduring love.

Following in the footsteps of his father and brother, David began a long and distinguished career at General Electric in Schenectady. He retired after 27 years of service as a Lieutenant of Plant Protection. Even in retirement, his desire to help others never slowed. He found joy and continued service to his fellow veterans while driving for the Otsego County Veterans Service Agency, continuing his lifelong habit of showing up for those who needed him.

David was deeply involved in his community and faith. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Worcester, the Schenevus Valley Masonic Lodge, VFW AmVets, American Legion, and the C. H. Graham Hose Company of the Schenevus Fire Department, where he proudly served as fire commissioner. He also served as a Constable for the town of Maryland, always guided by a sense of responsibility and fairness.

After losing his spouse, David found comfort and love again with Jean Krueger, two grieving hearts who helped each other heal and find their way out of loneliness. Outside of service, David found peace and happiness on the water. He had a lifelong love of boating, spending time with his boating family around the Thousand Islands in Clayton. He also cherished time spent camping and enjoying the warmth and beauty of his home in Georgia with Jean. These moments, simple, sunlit, and shared, meant everything to him.

David is survived by his fiancée, Jean Krueger; children, Joel Staruck of Schenevus, Stacey Staruck and her partner, Adam Pinkey of Delhi; and Jeremy and Tracy Staruck of Colorado. He is also survived by Jean's children, Justin and Christine Krueger of Warnerville, and Elise and Daniel Cain of Georgia; grandchildren, Sophia, Ryan, Jayson, Alexis, and Ellie; siblings, Joseph and Judith Staruck of Schenevus and Sondra Marano of North Carolina; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife, Helen.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 1, at Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main Street, Worcester.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 2, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 201 Main Street, Worcester, with the Rev. John Rosson officiating.

Interment with military honors will be in Schenevus Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Schenevus Fire Department, P.O. Box 116, Schenevus, NY 12155.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to, www.hellerskinnefh.com