David A. Jewell

David A. Jewell, 63, of Feura Bush, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, surrounded by his family.

Born in 1963 in Delmar, NY, David was the son of the late Arthur W. Jewell and Marian G. Jewell and the biological son of Gloria Donovan. He was the brother of Susan J. Shuman and James J. Jewell. David graduated from Bethlehem High School and was an entrepreneur at heart. With a love for working outdoors and a strong independent spirit, he went on to own and operate his own landscaping business.

David lived a life defined by adventure, service and a willingness to help others. Some of his most treasured years were spent as a volunteer firefighter with the Stanford Heights Fire Department. The department was much more than a place to volunteer; it was a second family, where he formed lifelong friendships and made countless memories. He took great pride in being a firefighter, and his years at Stanford Heights remained some of the most meaningful years of his life.

His commitment to service extended well beyond his local community. As a member of the Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, David specialized in underwater rescue, mountain rescue, cave rescue and underwater cave rescue. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, David answered the call to serve, traveling to New York City to assist with search and rescue efforts. He continued participating in those efforts in the months that followed, dedicating his time and specialized skills wherever they were needed.

David had a lifelong love of the outdoors and an adventurous spirit that never faded. Whether he was fishing, sailing, cave diving or exploring somewhere new, he was always looking for his next adventure. An adrenaline junkie at heart, David wasn’t one to shy away from a challenge and preferred a life filled with excitement over one spent sitting still.

Above all, David believed in living life on his own terms. He built his home in Feura Bush, where he spent many years surrounded by the people and things he enjoyed most. He was a familiar face at Meads Corner Tavern, where he formed lasting friendships and shared many good times over the years. His dogs, Ink and Pinky, were a beloved part of his life and were never far from his side. More than anything, David loved his daughters and his cherished partner, Kathleen, and treasured the life they shared.

David is survived by his beloved partner, Kathleen LaRose; his three daughters, Chelsea Gandara (Jewell), Jenna L. Jewell and Shelby Jewell; Kathleen’s daughters, Daniella Reinhert (LaRose) and Paula LaRose; his five grandchildren, Kylie Rae Carmody, Adalyn Gandara, Olivia Reinhart, Grayson Gandara and Lorenzo Voris; his siblings, Susan J. Shuman and James J. Jewell; and his biological mother, Gloria Donovan. David was predeceased by his parents, Arthur W. Jewell and Marian G. Jewell.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, November 15, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Applebee Funeral Home in Delmar, NY. A celebration of David’s life will follow at Meads Corner Tavern, 2264 Indian Fields Road, Feura Bush, NY.

David’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff of the Albany Medical Center ICU for the compassionate care and support they provided to David and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to the Stanford Heights Fire Department.