Obituary of David M.F. Hull

David Meriwether Field Hull, 36, of Penn Yan, NY, died peacefully on May 30, 2024, surrounded by family, after a long series of health issues. Born June 26, 1987, David left an educational legacy in his community as a student with cerebral palsy pioneering the mainstream concept in local schools. David attended preschool at Happiness House in Geneva and then moved to the Penn Yan Public School District. After graduating from high school in 2006, David entered the DRIVE (Diversity, Responsibility, Inclusion, Vision, Experiential Education) Program at Keuka College, where he took college courses and completed service work, graduating in 2012. David was preceded in death by his father, Robert "Kayo" Hull; brother, Josiah "Fitz" Fitzpatrick Hurley Hull; and uncle, Thomas Klose. He is survived by mother Anna Hurley (Penn Yan); brother Charles "Chat" Hull, sister-in-law Lisa (Kimura) Hull, niece Maxi Hull, and nephew Scott Hull (Carmel, IN); aunt Betsey Hull, cousins Sally (Klose) Gallagher, Dennis Gallagher, Annie Gallagher, and Lesley Klose (Boston, MA); many Hurley family aunts, uncles and cousins; and birth mother Elisabeth Crady (Cherry Valley, NY). In addition to his passion for education, David was always up for any adventure—ziplining, speedboat rides on Keuka Lake, and traveling to Argentina, Chicago, Florida, Connecticut, and Virginia. He loved trying new food experiences, cooking, and taking culinary classes at New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. He especially enjoyed kitchen prep work, particularly for stews and pasta dishes. He was enthusiastic about music, enjoyed attending the Rochester Philharmonic and other concerts, and was a member of the Keuka College Chorale. He had a special fondness for Jimmy Buffet, the Beach Boys, Barenaked Ladies, Fleetwood Mac, and show tunes. His faith and commitment to helping others were deeply important to him. He was a lifelong member of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Community and volunteered at many Penn Yan organizations, including The Homestead, The Living Well, and Milly's Pantry Weekend Backpack Program and Food Pantry. The family would like to thank Kimberlee Richards, David's direct support professional who assisted David for seven years, especially with his volunteer work. David exuded warmth, compassion, and a genuine interest in everyone he encountered. Those who met David were captivated by his ever-present positive attitude, especially given all the physical challenges he had had to endure over the years. The family is deeply grateful to all the staff at the University of Rochester Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital who worked with David, especially at the Complex Care Center and Medical Intensive Care units, as well as Heritage Christian Services and the caring staff at the Whalen Road Community Residence. Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 7, 2024 from 6-8 pm at Townsend-Wood & Zinger Funeral Home, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, New York. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Michael's Church, 312 Liberty Street, Penn Yan. Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery, 54 West Lake Road, Penn Yan. Memorial donations in David's name may be made to: Heritage Christian Services, https://heritagechristianservices.org/donate/ The Living Well, https://thelivingwellmission.org/donation-page/