David James Fluker

David J. Fluker, affectionately known as "Fluke", passed away on March 28, 2024 - his 65th birthday - in San Jose, California after a battle with cancer. Dave was born on March 28, 1959 in Warsaw, New York and lived in Perry, NY the early years of his life. After moving to Geneva, NY a few years later- he would call Geneva his home for the remainder of his youth.

Dave's early life in Geneva saw him develop an interest in music, the Beach Boys, Bobby Vinton, Monty Python and foreign languages. He started a band playing mostly surfer music. He studied several languages including Polish, French, Spanish, Russian and Italian. His love of all things language related led to teaching a class in Polish as a Junior in high school.

After graduating from high school in 1977, Dave enlisted in the United States Air Force. He was accepted at the prestigious Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey, CA where he studied to become a Polish and Russian linguist. Dave spent time overseas where he was able to use his language skills practically. He received numerous awards including the Army of Occupation Medal and the Air Force Good Conduct medal. Back in the states after leaving the Air Force, Dave received a bachelor's degree in Russian Language from the University of South Florida. He joined the Air Force Reserves where he served until retirement.

Dave moved to Gilroy, California after earning his degree and became a licensed health insurance agent, opening his own business, David Fluker Insurance, which he ran until retiring in 2022.

Throughout his life, Dave loved to share his stories of his experiences in the service and visiting other countries, always sharing the languages he loved most.

Dave was a devoted doggie dad and loved his dogs, his "girls". Dog dad to Morgan, Zoey, Nellie and Comet. Treeing Walker Coonhounds were his favorite and you could catch him a couple times a day walking all the girls to the dog park close by.

Dave is survived by his parents Joanne and James; brother Jon and sister Peggy; nephew and niece Nate and Alison; two great-nieces Leila and Ella and several Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Services will be held at a future date. David will be interred at the New York State Veterans Cemetary-Finger Lakes in Ovid, NY - which is on the southern end of the former Sampson Air Force Base he enjoyed visiting throughout his life.

In his memory, please consider a donation to K9's for Warriors or the American Cancer Society.