
GUILDERLAND – David A. Bosworth, Jr., of Guilderland, NY passed away on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Albany Medical Center Hospital, surrounded by family and friends after a long illness. David was born in Albany on October 10, 1947 to the late David A. Bosworth, Sr. and Betty Jane Cowen. He received his undergraduate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo and continued his graduate studies at Russell Sage College and the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government. He served as Executive Director of the Center for Family and Youth in Albany, previously known as Project Strive, for 40 years. He served proudly on the Board of the Guilderland Public Library, and was most recently employed at the Albany County Family Court with the Albany County Sheriff’s Department. He was also Chairman of the Guilderland Democratic Committee.
David was active in Albany County Democratic politics for many years, and served as Co-Chair of the Albany County Democratic Committee for 2 years and served on the Guilderland Town Council. David had keen political instincts, and from an early age was an enthusiastic Democratic party organizer and served as a Committeeman. Throughout his life, he worked tirelessly on behalf of Democratic Party candidates for public office at all levels of government, including the City and County of Albany, the Town of Guilderland, as well as candidates for state office, the New York State Courts, and U.S. Congress. David grew up in Albany during the years of Dan O’Connell and Erastus Corning. He was a trailblazer in the emergence, growth and success of the Democratic Party in the previous Republican Party strongholds of the towns of Guilderland, Colonie and Bethlehem. His efforts and hard work led the Democrats to electoral victories in achieving town council majorities, as well as electing Democrats to supervisor positions in those towns. As David’s health failed in recent years, he would still actively work for Democratic candidates from his hospital bed, organizing and directing campaigns and fund-raising efforts and meeting with candidates and officials.
David loved spending time with his family and friends, especially during holidays, and loved Guilderland, where he and his wife raised their family. The family expresses their deep appreciation to the doctors and staff of the Albany Medical Center Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation Unit for the compassionate support and care David received there, and to Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple and his deputies and staff.
David is survived by his wife of 41 years, Eileen Ward Bosworth; his children Laurel (Jeff) York of Burlington, CT, David A. Bosworth III (Lori Squillini) of Delmar, and Jennifer C. Bosworth of London, UK; his sister Pamela (David) Clickner of Greer, SC, and his brother Charles S. Bosworth of Schenectady, NY; three grandchildren, Benjamin York, Grace Bosworth and David A. Bosworth IV and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by his sister Marion Anne Bosworth.
Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Monday morning at 9:00, and from there to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, North Main Ave. at Western Ave., Albany at 10:00. Relatives and friends are invited, and may call at the funeral home Sunday from 3-7 p.m. Interment will be in Memory Gardens, Colonie. Memorial contributions may be made in David’s name to the Albany Medical Center Inpatient Physical Rehabilitation Unit, 47 New Scotland Ave., MC-79, Albany, NY 12208; or to the Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave., Guilderland, NY 12084. To leave a message of condolence for the family or obtain directions to the funeral home, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Click here to view Dave’s resting place in Memory Gardens, Colonie, New York.
Stanley Axelrod
Dave reminded me of the back-slapping hand pumping politicians of the old days. Dave was a good friend,listener and conversationalist. He was knowledgeable in many topics and liked to share his opinions.
Dave and I go back to our yearsl at the old Albany High. I still have pictures of us with our dates at the class of 1965
Senior Prom.
Rest in peace Dave. You will be missed.
Kimberly Ricciardelli
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.He sounds like quite a remarkable man ; which is great testimony to your parents; because you are all wonderful people..so proud to call you my friend.May all your memories help you through this sad time.
Sue Weremeichik
Eileen and Family: My sincerest condolences on your family’s loss. Although I never met David, I knew he was a very special person and most loved. Again, Eileen, if you need anything you can just give me a buzz. You have always been there for me and I would like to return the favor, if at all possible
Stephanie Carter
Eileen and family I am so sorry for your loss. We are in Iowa visiting my mom and sisters so I just found out and will not be home in time for the wake. Thinking of you during this difficult time and our many years of working together.
Laurie Lainhart
Eileen and Family, my sincerest condolences. I will always remember Dave from what seemed like his larger than life personality at Project Strive when I started my job in the 80’s. Wishing you peace during these difficult days.
Helena Heath
I extend my condolences to Dave’s family. Dave lived a life of dedicated public service and was always willing to lend a helping hand to others. I am a beneficiary of his advice and support as I began my journey into elective politics. He always had an encouraging word from the first day I met him when I became an Albany County Democratic Committee member. He was a leader and a mentor to many. God bless and comfort his family during this difficult time. Helena Heath, Albany
Steve Redler
Dave was a great advocate for needy children and families. You did good Dave , rest in peace. You will be remembered.
Bob Feller
Very sorry to hear about Dave’s passing. He was a fighter and always an optimist. He will be sorely missed by those who knew him.
Maryanne Rappaport
Eileen and family, please except my condolences for your loss. Dave was such a sweet man . May your memories provide comfort during this difficult time.