David Lee Drum
Date of Birth
November 5, 1948
Passed Away
January 18, 2026
Place of Residence
Hammondsport
Home State
New York
Hammondsport – David Lee Drum, 77, died very unexpectedly on January 18, 2026, while on a kayaking trip in the Everglades National Park. He was born in Wayland, NY, on November 5, 1948, the son of Paul David and Cora Lee (Neil) Drum. He graduated from Wayland Central School in 1966, studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rochester, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1970. He received his MSME from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1971.
Dave had a strong work ethic. When in school, he worked on the Bernie Mack farm, cleaned school buses for Wayland Central School, and worked in production for the Gunlocke Chair Company. After graduating, he worked for the Naval Ship Engineering Center from 1971 to 1972, doing hydrofoil design. On January 2, 1973, he started his career at Corning Inc. in the MTE division, retiring April 1, 2009, as a Distinguished Associate. He received his 50-year service pin in 2023.
David served as Scoutmaster for Troop 18 in Hammondsport, where he and his scouts had many an outdoor adventure together, culminating in a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch with his son. His favorite scouting phrase was “We are not lost, just not where we are supposed to be.” In retirement, he volunteered for the Finger Lakes Trail, coordinating the construction of the Hickory Hill Lean-To, and served as a certified sawyer. He also volunteered for the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, first remodeling the current facility and then restoring three boats: the Lady Jane, a 1905-1950 Henry Sutherland, a Dispro, and a 1905 Fairchild-Grant.
Dave loved anything to do with the great outdoors, hiking in many National Parks and with friends all over the world, cross-country ski racing (competed in many races, including the American Birkebeiner several times), and fishing in Canada, the Amazon, and Christmas Island. But his real passion was marathon canoe and kayak racing. He was a proud member of the 700-mile club of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta and winner of the 1990 USCAA National Championship C-2 Masters race. His favorite race was the Adirondack Canoe Classic (90-miler), which he paddled both solo and with partners in his kayak or canoe many times, over 2000 miles total. As he put it, “finishing my usual third place.”
David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Jo (nee Littleton), his son John and wife Molly, and two grandchildren, Benjamin David and Isabelle Jo, all of which he adored. He is also survived by his brother Marshall (Bobbie) and sister Virginia (Don), as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and an infant sister, Mary Sue.
It was David’s wish that there be no calling hours or services. A Celebration of Life will be held next summer at his home, where he hoped all his friends would come enjoy the day telling tall tales about him.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, 8231 Pleasant Valley Road, Hammondsport, NY, the Finger Lakes Trail Association, 6111 Visitor Center Road, Mt. Morris, NY, or a charity of your choice.
Bishop & DeSanto Funeral Home, Hammondsport, is honored to assist David’s family with the arrangements. Online remembrances or condolences are welcome below, or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
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5 Responses
Dona Fort says:
January 21, 2026, at 11:30 PM
Nancy—so sorry to read this news. Condolences. May precious memories help you during this difficult time. Hugs.
Reply
Roxanne & Milt von Hagn says:
January 22, 2026, at 12:53 AM
Dear David’s family,
We are so saddened to hear of David’s passing. We are sending you our thoughts and prayers and hope to see you at his celebration of life.
Sincerely,
The von Hagn’s
Reply
Cara Groeger says:
January 22, 2026, at 7:42 PM
David was one of the most loyal friends anyone could ever hope to have. His unconditional support and guiding wisdom touched the lives of all who knew him; he was always there, standing by his friends through every moment. My heart aches for everyone who shared in his friendship and love. May we find comfort in the good memories and laughter we shared with David, holding them close as we remember what a truly remarkable friend he was.
Reply
Lynda Rummel, FLTC VP-Trail Quality (retired) says:
January 25, 2026, at 6:05 PM
I am stunned & deeply saddened by the news of Dave’s passing. He was a remarkable volunteer for the Finger Lakes Trail, particularly as a certified sawyer who could always be counted upon to clear messes of tangled trees from the trail on the Bristol Hills Branch or main trail between Bath & Watkins Glen. And while we did trail work together, we could always have a great chat about our shared passion for paddling & restoring wooden boats. I—we—will miss him greatly.
Reply
Donna Noteware RTC of the Bristol Hills Branch of the FLT says:
January 26, 2026, at 11:47 PM
Nancy, Dave loved being in the woods with his chainsaw. He called it “playing.” I have many fond memories of time spent in Birdseye Hollow, The Huckleberry Bog, Mitchellesville Gorge Trail, and the unique mile section of trail with all the bridges between Elmboise Road and Bean Station. All I had to do was send Dave an email with the location. If his friend was available, I would get another email reporting their hours. Otherwise, I would tag along. It feels like an enormous loss to me. I will miss him very much.
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