The community of West Sayville has lost one of its own. David John Van Essendelft, a true native son whose roots ran deep in the village, passed away recently.

A proud member of the Class of 1960, his long and full life was framed by the familiar shores and streets that shaped him. The obituary reprinted here, courtesy of the Burgess Funeral Home, beautifully captures the essence of David and his many passions—from his days as a bayman on the Great South Bay to his skilled craftsmanship as a carpenter and his creative joys in building hot rods and model trains. 

We remember David as he was in those West Sayville years: a lean and tireless long-distance runner for the Sayville High Cross Country team, his determination echoing across the trails with every stride. We remember the rumble of his iconic ’56 Oldsmobile as it cruised through town, a symbol of youth and freedom that marked him as unmistakably Dave. And we remember, with profound gratitude, the young man who answered his country’s call, serving with honor as a US Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. These threads…  the athlete, the hot-rodder, the veteran, all wove together the fabric of a life deeply lived.

A memorial page has been created in his honor, offering a place for friends and family to gather and share memories. In recognition of his place in the local community, the Sayville Alumni Association will remember David annually on his birthday, November 28th. During this profoundly difficult time, our hearts are with his family, his friends, and his classmates who shared in the rich story of his life. We hope this remembrance will provide solace to those who knew and loved David.

The full obituary is courtesy of Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory: 

David Van Essendelft Obituary

INDIAN LAND, SC

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David “Dave” John Van Essendelft, age 83, who passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at his home.

Born on November 28, 1942, in Bay Shore, NY, David was the son of the late Albert Van Essendelft and the late Mary T. Hodl Van Essendelft. He grew up in West Sayville, NY, and in 1977, he married Donna Jane Behrendt Van Emmerik.

Dave was an exceptionally talented individual with a wide range of accomplishments. A Vietnam veteran, he obtained a master’s degree from Oswego. He became a detail-oriented carpenter, recognized for crafting custom cabinets, designing and building his own home. He also spent time as a bayman harvesting clams on the Great South Bay. Dave’s creative passions included building a hot rod roadster, winning first in show in a waterfowl decoy competition and creating an extraordinary Lionel train board display that was featured in Classic Toy Train magazine. While he loved his ’56 Oldsmobile and his cats, his greatest joy was sharing the beautiful water views of Saint Peter’s Creek with his late wife, Donna.

Dave is survived by his son, Brian Peter Van Emmerik (Debbie); his brother, Gene Van Essendelft; his niece, Heidi Van Essendelft Roach (Chris); and five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna Jane Behrendt Van Emmerik Van Essendelft; his son, James Gregg Van Emmerik, Sr.; and his parents, Albert Van Essendelft Jr. and Mary T. Hodl Van Essendelft.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

***We wish to thank Tom Seerveld, Class of 1972 for bringing  Dave’s passing to our attention.