TRAGESER- David S.

David S. Trageser of Hamburg, NY.

Passed away June 5 following a decade-long battle with Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Parkinson's Disease. Dave was born on June 10 1944 in Buffalo NY to Charles A. and Ann (Stewart) Trageser. Dave was a loving father to Nicholas (Jillian), loving grandfather to Elena Claire, and loving brother to Nancy Trageser of Albany NY, Janet of Rochester NY, Carol Warren (John) of Winchester VA, and Barbara Fuller (Mark) of Tucson AZ and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Following graduation from Hamburg High School in 1962 and Lehigh University in 1966, Dave was drafted into the Amy. After completing Engineering Officer Candidates School, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division at the height of the Tet Offensive. After his military service, he returned to the U.S. and tried urban corporate life in California. It turned out he was better suited to surviving the 1969 Altamont Music Festival and the 1970 Jimi Hendrix Isle of Wight concert. Hence, he packed his car with all his worldly belongings and took off for Montana. He lived in a teepee in the woods and tried his hand at various odd obs like harvesting potatoes and trimming Christmas trees. There in Missoula he began his 30 year career as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. The years following included building friendships, playing soccer, traveling through Europe in a dilapidated VW bus, and photographing many natural and human conditions on trips to the American West and Central America. In 1985, Dave moved back home to Erie County, first settling in Orchard Park and then in Hamburg. There he renewed friendships from his high school days, married, and became a proud father. With his son Nick, he enjoyed music, playing and reffing soccer, and made an extraordinary trip to Germany for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Other travels included China, India, and multiple trips to Israel.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 11:00am to 2:00pm at the West End Inn, 340 Union Street, Hamburg. Contributions may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association or the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to LOOMIS, OFFERS & LOOMIS, INC. FUNERAL HOME (Hamburg Chapel).