David J. Linnan of Orlando, Florida and of Clifton Park, New York passed away peacefully on August 21st, 2023 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. Born in Olean, NY in July 1939, he was the son of the late William M. Linnan, Sr. and Genevieve Toohey Linnan of Delmar, NY and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He was predeceased by his brother William Linnan Jr.
David is survived by his son, Justin Linnan, daughter in-law Kayo Linnan, daughter, Nicole Kovac, long time girlfriend and the love of his life Joann Wright. He is also survived by his grandchildren, AJ & Talia Kovac and his brother James D. (Maura) Linnan of Albany, NY and his sister, Jeanne Marie Flanigan of New Smyrna Beach, FL.
David attended Christian Brothers Academy and graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in 1957. David then graduated from Hartwick College in 1961. During his time at Hartwick he played basketball and enjoyed visiting the local bars sampling ice cold draft beer after spending long hours in the library.
David was a Right-of-Way Agent for the New York State Department of Transportation for 30+ years. During this time he provided many successful & fair outcomes for NYS and private landowners. David formed many long lasting relationships with his co-workers in the office, out in the field and inside the Elbo Room.
David was an excellent father who demonstrated the importance of working hard, saving wisely & living modestly. He built a baseball diamond in the backyard complete with a backstop, foul lines, pitching mound and home run walls made out of stacked firewood. At our request, he served as all-time pitcher and umpire for countless summer days with the Marcel Road boys & others in the surrounding neighborhood.
In the winters, David would create an ice hockey rink in the backyard complete with boards and goals. This started his son Justin’s love for the game of ice hockey that remains to this day.
David enjoyed the outdoors. The Adirondacks was his favorite area to spend time. He loved to canoe, fish, hike and camp. The summit of Buck mountain was his favorite place and at his request, his son Justin will spread his ashes there instead of a funeral.
Romans 8: I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor heights, nor death, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.