David DeRienzo

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of David DeRienzo, 62, of Marietta, who died Wednesday December 24, 2008 at Crouse Hospital. Born in Syracuse on Saturday, March 30, 1946, he lived in Marietta for 21 years. David was a 1965 graduate of North Syracuse High School and attended OCC. A supervising electrician at University Hospital for 28 years, he retired in December 2000. He was also formerly employed by Syracuse China Corp. A Navy veteran, David served on the U.S.S. Roosevelt in the Gulf of Tonkin during the Vietnam War from 1965-967. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal. He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus and member of the CNY Street Rod Association, Right Coast Car Association and VFW in Liverpool. He was also a squire with the Jack Daniels Distillery in Tennessee. David had a great passion for the S.U. football and basketball teams, cheering them on at each game. An accomplished drummer, he enjoyed traveling with and playing with local bands. Other interests included golf, restoring his 1939 Plymouth pick-up truck, and attending street rod national events. He had a great love for the outdoors and for animals. When you reflect on your friendship with David, remember his warm smile, wonderful sense of humor and his kindness to everyone. He will be greatly missed. David was predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Marie (Zube) DeRienzo. Surviving are his wife of 25 years, the former Susan Murray; daughter and son-in-law, Michelle and Mark Schneider of Cicero; son, Michael DeRienzo of Cicero; sister and brother-in-law, Donna and Gerald Davern of North Syracuse; brother and sister-in-law, Vincent and Luanne DeRienzo of Concord, North Carolina; stepmother, Margaret DeRienzo of Syracuse; stepbrother and wife, Allen and Palma Merola of Cicero; stepsister and husband, Karen and Frank Neri of Syracuse, and six grandchildren. Services will be private at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Friends may call from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday, December 29, 2008 at the funeral home. Contributions may be made to the American Heart Association., P.O. Box 3049, Syracuse, NY 13220 or to the Central New York SPCA, 5878 E. Molloy Rd., Mattydale, NY 13211.