David W. Fish

David W. Fish of Akron, New York, retired educator, died on September 9, 2016 at the age of 87. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Dr. Fish was the last of six children of Louis Washburn and Ivy (Chapel) Fish, a prominent farm family in Salt Point, New York.

David Fish attended a one-room school for seven years, graduated from the Franklin D. Rooosevelt High School in Hyde Park in 1945; attended Cornell University for two years. He transferred to the University of California at Davis, CA where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree. In 1950 he returned to Cornell for his Masters of Education Degree and Syracuse University for a Doctorate in Education Degree. He also taught Vocational Agriculture and Science at Minoa and Middleport High Schools. After serving in the United States Air Force Dr. Fish became the Director of Guidance and Vice-Principal at DeRuyter Central School District, Superintendent of Schools of the West Leyden Central School District for six years. He moved to Akron, New York as Superintendent of Schools of the Akron Central School District in 1969 remaining for twenty-two years until his retirement in 1991.

In 1953 he married Beverly (Shuler) of Canastota, New York. They became the parents of three daughters: Margaret Mary (David Zirhut) Thayer of Las Vegas, Nevada; Marilyn Marie (William Stiefel) Fish of Atlanta, Georgia and Marcia Maureen Fish of Sonoma California. He is also survived by six grandchildren David Starr Thayer, Thomas William Thayer, William Charles Stiefel, Sarah Margaret Stiefel, John David Stiefel, Bridgetmarie Jane Stiefel; a brother-in-law Frederick (Barbara) Shuler of Baldwinsville, New York and many nieces and nephews.
 
Dr. Fish was a member of the Erie County School Boards, American Association of Administrators and was honored as one of the top 100 School Administrators in the Nation. He was also a member of the Newstead Historical Society, Western New York Torch Club, American Legion Post 900. He enjoyed skiing, reading and traveling. He traveled world wide, visited all seven continents including Antarctica. He was a proud second owner of a 1918 Ford Model “T” that he purchased in 1945 for twenty-five dollars. He will be remembered as a friend and mentor to many.

Friends and relatives may call from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm on Friday, September 16, 2016 at Ross Funeral Home of Akron, LLC, 10 Eckerson Avenue, Akron. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Teresa’s Roman Catholic Church on Saturday at 11 am. (Please assemble at church), Burial will follow at St Teresa’s Cemetery in Akron. In Lieu of flowers please consider the Dr. David W. Fish Scholarship Fund or St Teresa’s Church.

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