CANASTOTA . . .

David J. Conklin, 75, of 224 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Upstate Community Hospital, Syracuse, following a lengthy illness.

He was born on September 29, 1950, in Manhattan, NY, the son of the late Charles and Ann (Ericsson) Conklin.

David spent his early years in Manhattan, attending St. Bernard's School in Manhattan, later living in New Jersey for more than twenty years, and has lived in Canastota for the last twenty-two years.

He was a bus driver for the Rockland Coaches, Red & Tan Bus Company in Bergenfield, NJ, for twenty-five years, retiring in 2002, where he also volunteered his time every Thanksgiving to bring special needs children to enjoy the parade in NYC, was a member of the Elks Club BPOE #1477 in Bergenfield NJ. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in NJ, and had also been a volunteer EMT, volunteering his time for anyone who needed him for the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corps., where he saved many lives on and off the job. David had an amazing heart and would help anyone that needed it and never judged a soul.

Some of his favorite pastimes included spending time with his granddaughter watching Sponge Bob and Mr. Rogers, teaching her baseball, and being her personal doctor Ampa. Playing with his flashlight, always being seen with his camcorder making memories for his family to treasure, playing jokes on his wife, and making sure that his whole family knew that he loved them and always will.

David married Kathleen Conroy on March 31, 1973, in New Milford, NJ. Dave was 22 and Kathy was 18, a forever love.

Surviving besides his wife, Kathleen Conklin, are: two daughters, Tara and Jordan Conklin of Canastota, and Lisa Conklin of Oneida; granddaughter, Isabella Rose Conklin of Oneida; and William Denney, Lisa's fiancé, of Canastota.

Private calling hours and funeral service were held on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. The Rev. Anthony F. Tosti officiated. Entombment was in Garden of Memories Cemetery, Town of Washington, Paramus, NJ.