Francis David Pai, 87, of Groton, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at Guthrie Cortland Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, following a period of declining health, surrounded by the love of his family. Dave was born on May 10, 1938, in Ithaca, a son of the late Francis J. Pai and L.O. (Tripp) Myskow. A lifelong resident of the area, he attended Ithaca High School and proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy Construction Battalion (Seabees) from 1956 to 1959.
Dave was a devoted member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 545 for more than 60 years. He retired from Economy Paving Company in Cortland after more than three decades as an equipment operator. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping, and in retirement, he treasured the opportunity to travel throughout the country.
He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Griffin (Greg Hubbard) of Cortland and Kelly Roos of Maine, and their mother, Cheryl Pai; his brother, Gary Pai (Cathy) of Moravia; his sisters, Judy VanBenschoten (Gary) of Groton and Candace Sansone (Larry) of Texas; six grandchildren, Kyler Griffin (Emily), Kaitlynn Griffin, Hannah Pai, Troy Tinkham, Nicholas Roos, and Alexander Roos; two great-grandchildren, Liam and Owen; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by his daughter, Cheryl Pai Bittner, and his brother, Allen Pai. Friends are welcome to call from 3:30 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m., with a celebration of life immediately afterward at the Groton American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA of Tompkins County. Online condolences may be shared with Dave's family at www.shurtleffservices.com.