Obituary of David Vanderburg

David C. Vanderburg David C. Vanderburg, 59, of The Villages, FL, formerly of Binghamton and Vestal, NY, passed away July 25, 2013 after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Dave was a Hodgkin's cancer survivor for 26 years, enduring multiple health issues before pancreatic cancer in 2010. A graduate of Vestal Central High School in 1972 and SUNY Alfred in 1974, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Susie, in July 1975, renewing their vows on their 25th wedding anniversary. Early in his life, he worked as a landscaper for Gilg Landscape, fueling his passion for meticulous lawn/landscape care. Dave worked at Universal Instruments from 1978 to 2007; his favorite assignment was on the SAP travel training team. Dave cherished our lifelong friends and friends he made in Japan, Singapore, China, and Brazil, staying in touch with them through the years. Upon retirement, he drove a school bus for Susquehanna School District transporting special needs children who provided a smile to him every day. Family and friend vacations and outings to Lancaster, PA, Niagara Falls, Ocean City, MD, Las Vegas, Nags Head, NC, and Florida were special occasions. He enjoyed relaxing at the beach, going out to dinner, or going to the theatre. He was an avid golfer and bicyclist. Funny stories that happened from these adventures have been retold and shared over and over again. Dave's life also revolved around his beloved dogs, often referring to them as his four-legged children (Missy, Brandon, Maxi, and Magic). As a perfectionist, whether building a deck or making peanut brittle, his jobs were carefully designed and accomplished precisely to plan. He loved detail work, constructing an intricate HO model train layout. Dave and Sue moved to Florida in 2012. Dave was "Living Their Dream" by playing a lot of golf, bicycling, and living the "active" lifestyle they so much loved. Once Dave chose to do palliative care, he was at peace. Dave golfed 3-4 times a week, shared laughs and stories with new friends and neighbors in Florida. Dave enjoyed a wonderful quality of life and was thankful to have had that time. Dealing with cancer most of his life, Dave was an inspiration to many for his positive spirit and determination to live life to its fullest. He brightened our lives with his witty, competitive, and prankster personality. Dave was one-of-a-kind and leaves a gigantic void in his family. He will be deeply missed. Dave is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Susie Roloson Vanderburg; father, Benjamin Vanderburg (Joyce Fuller) of Johnson City; brothers, Gary (Debbie) of Endwell and Bob (Debbie) of Rockford, IL; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Tom (Linda) Roloson, Dawn (Russell) Crerar; sister-in-law, Sharon Roloson; his uncle and mentor, Don (Terry) Webb; and several other aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Time shared with Kristin and Mark was special to Dave as we traveled to/from Johns Hopkins Hospital. He was predeceased by his mother, Virginia Webb Vanderburg; brother, Frank Vanderburg; aunt, Romaine Freel; and his grandparents. Funeral Services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. from the Coleman and Daniels Funeral Home Inc., 300 E. Main St., Endicott. Burial will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endwell. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Thursday from 4-7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a remembrance donation to Hospice of Marion County, 3231 SW 34th Ave., Ocala, FL 34474.