Obituary of David F Twomey

David Francis Twomey, 70, of Johnson City, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2009, at the Wilson Memorial Regional Medical Center. David was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Shannon Lynn; and his best buddy and grandson, Shawn Kelly, whom he has now been reunited with. David is survived by his loving wife of over 30 years, Betsy Twomey; and his devoted children, Michael Kelly and wife, Jamie, Patrick Kelly and wife, Kim; grandchildren, Jason, Hailey, Amanda, Matthew, Erin, Erika, and Michael Jr.; and great-grandson, Avery; daughters, Leah Hilton and Jill Ferris; and grandchildren, Kasey, Jake, Joey and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister, Diane Scagren and husband, Leonard and their children, Johnny, Karen and Chrissy; and his brother, Robert Twomey. Dave will also be missed by his dedicated canine companion, Cooper. Dave will be remembered by his family for holiday gatherings where he shared his love and expertise of cooking. He found joy in having his family gathered to celebrate and feast on gourmet meals which he never ceased to enjoy preparing. David took great pleasure in his gardening, endless hours tending to his flower beds, shrubs and trees. Both gardens in New York and Florida were sources of great pride for David; his Lilies were magnificent. David was also an avid bird enthusiast, spent many hours watching birds, as well as feeding them and providing a sanctuary for his feathered friends. A graduate of Syracuse University. A resident of the Southern Tier for the past 32 years, active in many community activities, most notably serving as President of Vestal Little League for three years. Employed by Haylor Freyer & Coon Inc. Insurance background includes 7 years in the Company ranks as an Underwriter in both Personal and Commercial Lines. An Insurance Agency employee and Principal, for the past 32 years. Served on numerous Insurance Company Advisory Panels. Previously wrote a column called "Upstate Update" for the regional Insurance publication "The Advocate". Currently, a contributing columnist for the statewide biweekly newsletter, the "IIAANY Insider" and a consultant in the Workers Compensation area for the Independent Insurance Agents' Association of New York (IIAANY). Past Chairman of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council and the Small Business Legislative Committee. Also a member of the chamber's Governmental Affairs Committee. Honored as the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce "Small Business Advocate of the Year" in 1998. Treasurer of the School to Careers Partnership of Greater Binghamton and Tioga County and Treasurer of the Johnson City Senior Center. Also headed Assemblyman Bob Warner's group, Concerned Businesses of the Southern Tier. Agents' Association involvement includes Officerships in the Independent Insurance Agents Association of the Southern Tier. As President, organized the first Binghamton "I Day" in 1977. Again elected President in 1998. In the Independent Insurance Agents' Association of New York (IIAANY), held positions as Director and Officer and was elected President in 1986. Involved in numerous Committees and served as IIAANY Legislative Committee Chairman. Awarded the "Mr. Chairman" award in 1983 and awarded the IIAANY Presidential Citation, in 1988. Also served on the national Independent Insurance Agents' Association National Consumer & Technical Affairs Committee. Currently President of New York Independent Agents' Political Action Committee and serves on the Associations' Emerging Public Policy Committee. Served a term as Chairman of BRACE, a coalition of 3 Insurance Producer Organizations. Also a member of the Southern Tier Insurance Professionals and has served as a member of the State Board, as well as a state Committee Chairman. Co-owner and vice-president of the Boyd/BEST Insurance Agency. His most recent awards were Insurance Person of Distinction 2006 and Team Player of the Year 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Shawn Michael Kelly Scholarship Fund in care of Vestal Dollars for Scholars, Attn: Barry Klipsch, PO Box 959, Vestal, NY 13851-0959. Private Services will be held at the convenience of the family. Burial will be in Vestal Park Cemetery. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are by the Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home, Inc., 765 Main St., Vestal.