I worked with Dave at the Bureau of Reclamation. He was a good guy and engineer. He was not appreciated by way too many there due to the hostile working environment. I was glad to see that the rest of his career and his personal life that he was treated for the person he really was by friends, families and other jobs. I had not thought of him in a while so I was glad to hear even this sad news so I could pay my respects to him in heaven and to his family and friends.

Uncle Dave was a one-of-a-kind, larger than life guy. We spent much of our time barbecuing, which he taught me a lot about. Key lessons: leave the chicken out for as long as possible and cook until charred black. Another, the chicken oyster is the holy grail of chicken meat. Just about every moment with Uncle Dave was spent bantering back and forth, joking about anything and everything. Underneath his playfulness was a deep care and devotion for his family. At our wedding recital, Dave gave a nine minute long speech where he shared memories of Nate and Mia doing funny things together as kids. The words were less important than the feeling, which was understood by all to be intense love and proudness for one of his favorite people in the world, Mia. We'll miss his warmth, his love, his gift of gab. I'll miss him telling me that my chicken wasn't cooked enough, his politically incorrect jokes, his random texts of wildly unappetizing food he had cooked for dinner and his endless stream of pun riddles, like: "why do jews go up on ladders before pesach? to clean their hagutters." Love you, Davey. May your memory be a blessing.

I really loved Uncle David and will miss him dearly. It was so fun to spend time with him and follow along as he shared his outrageous soapbox hot takes. I have many lovely memories of David and one that sticks out is Yom Kippur this past year. I was sick from bad sushi and a long fast, and as I tried to keep myself upright and not dry heave before our pizza break-fast, David was lovingly asking me about my recent claymation projects. I wasn't capable of engaging, but that did not stop David from trying for at least 10 or 15 minutes even though I hardly spoke a word. He finally said, "you're no fun" and walked away. And even though I felt sick, I felt loved and cared for. I'll miss you!

David made my closest and long time friend Sarah (basically family) happy and made her feel love and nurtured. Often I was with her when he called and she would say hi Vid. I felt comfortable around him and he made me laugh. He was like a father to Mia. I share their pain and loss. He was dedicated to his two children. I loved his passion for the outdoors and for travel. There will be a hole in the world with his absence.

David will be sorely missed.  It was always a joy when he came to visit Sarah and Mia, as well as his kids when they were in the Bay area, as he would have many tales to share of his far-flung travels.  His stories, told with his quirky sense of humor, sometimes were real nail biters that kept you on the edge of your seat.  But most of all, his warmth and kindness always shone through.  My deepest condolences to the family.   Annie

David was such an accomplished and humorous guy, as well as a proven master of mathematical reasoning, that I often remind people in Boston of his valued presence to the reduction of tsurris in travel which his tunnels delivered as he once delivered me to a little known Chinese restaurant in distant Alberta. We also wandered through deadly bear country in Glacier National Park and examined a doozawack which he had stored in his desk in Roslyn. Condolences to those who remain to improve the world.

I loved David’s visits to California.  Master of the bbq and latkes, each topped with a pun per minute.  Even when the politics broke bad, his humor never failed.   We’ll miss him. 
Rich Ivry

I was always happy to see my uncle David's name pop up on my phone, because the text message would inevitably be pointed, hilarious, and full of his signature wit. I will miss those moments and many others. Much love to my cousins, Judith and Nate <3

Dave was a kind and compassionate person. He was a wonderful father, brother, and uncle. It’s hard to find someone as passionate  about his work or political views. I was fortunate to be able to spend some time outdoors in nature with Dave. He had a keen appreciation for the beauty of nature, even mushrooms and insects. He was very grateful for the time he got to spend hiking and camping outdoors during some of his earliest jobs. I got to enjoy some of his photography and stories about his travels.

OBITUARY

David L. Druss

November 14, 1953 – May 13, 2025

Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel

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