David Silvernail Obituary

David W. Silvernail, of Copake Falls, passed away comfortably at Fairview Hospital on November 25, 2024 with his wife by his side. He was born on September 29, 1939 to the late Wallace and Helen (Campbell) Silvernail.

He served our country in the Air Force from 1956 until he was honorably discharged in 1960. He was very proud of his service and was very patriotic. He was also honored to take part in the Leather Stocking Honor Flight to Washington DC. In 1962, in West Stockbridge he married Irene Zanconato and together they shared 62 years of marriage. 

David worked for P.J. Schweitzer Mill in Ancram for 42 years as a water treatment operator. He was a member of the Local 1479, served as shop steward and was a lifelong member of the United States SteelWorkers Union. He was also a member of the Hillsdale VFW Post 7552 and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, where he sat on the State Board of Management. His love for history and community involvement was manifested through his dedication to the RoeJan Historical Society, where he was a founding member and sat on the board of directors. He was a Friends of the Taconic State Park, and was also a Free and Accepted Mason and a member of Masonic Temple #480. In addition he was a member of the National Rifle Association. 

David grew up being a very resourceful and frugal person. He split his own wood for heating, in which he heated his entire house with. They lovingly referred to him as “Charles Ingalles” as in Little House on the Prairie. He raised his own meat and was known for his smoked bacon and cheeses. Every room in his house he had redone by hand and he was a jack of all trades. David was also an avid deer & turkey hunter, gardener, and enjoyed traveling. He especially enjoyed his trips to Alaska, Wyoming, and even travel to Korea. 

David is survived by his loving wife Irene. Their four daughters, Holly (Paul) Scofield, JoAnn Lapoint, Sharon (Mark) Meppen, and Sandra (John) Westfall. His eight grandchildren, Eddie Boyles, John Lapoint, Jesse Boyles, Jamieson Savage, Jensen Lapoint, Jillian Lapoint, Paul Scofield, and Justin Westfall. Six great grandchildren, Lucas Boyles, Chloe Boyles, Addison Boyles, Genevieve Lapoint, Dakota Lapoint and Emerson Savage. He is also survived by his brother Rodney (Ann Froman) Silvernail, his sister Linda (Stan) Scott, sister in law Dale Silvernail, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his sister Kathleen Faulkner, and his brother Kevin Silvernail. 

A time for sharing memories and offering condolences will be Friday evening, November 29, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 at Peck & Peck Funeral Homes, 8063 Route 22, Copake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00AM from Our Lady of Hope Parish, Copake Falls. Interment with military honors will follow at Old St. Bridget’s Cemetery. Donations in David’s memory may be made to Fairview Hospital or to Our Lady of Hope Parish.