Obituary of David L. Metchick

TROY, NY- David Louis Metchick was born on November 15th, 1952 and entered into eternal rest after his courageous battle with Cancer on June 13th, 2015 surrounded by a few of his cherished loved ones. David was born and raised in Albany New York and has lived in the Capital District all his life. Dave was an alumni of Colonie Central High School after which time he entered the United States Army at the age of 18. He was stationed in Germany at this time and although humble about his service in the military this was something his family was quite proud of. From a very young age David was always trying to make friends and family laugh and was often known as the class clown and adventurous spirit. In his youth he and his siblings attended Cathedral Academy where he first began to show this adventurous spirit to the nuns of the Academy. Upon his return home from Germany he began work at the Watervliet Arsenal. It was after his time at the arsenal that David showed many of his skills of making and building things to a beautiful perfection. David was a master carpenter in a league of his own. Many were is awe of the skill that he truly loved which was his passion of playing the guitar. He enjoyed music of all genres and would meet with his crew of friends every Sunday to jam to their favorite tunes including their own originals. David is predeceased by his mother Ellen Louise Harlin and his father Jacob Metchick and his step father Nicholas "Pop" Harlin, who he loved dearly. David was affectionately called Davey Crocket by his mother Ellen as he had a love for cowboys and playing one as a child. He is survived by Terri "Thyra" Metchick whom he married in 1987 and shared a lifetime of memories with along with the birth of their son Eric David Metchick. These memories included the care and support that she provided to Dave during this time. Eric and his father have always had a close relationship and Eric considers his father to be his best friend to this day and will always remain embedded deep in the hearts of each other. David always lovingly referred to Eric as his "little buddy" and this is something that Eric will hold onto for a lifetime. Eric has the love of music that has been instilled in him by his father as this is one of David's greatest passions. He is survived by his sister Charlotte A. Hawkins "Char" and his brother in law William A. Hawkins of Albany whom he spent much of his childhood time with when Bill and Charlotte were first married. David enjoyed spending overnights at their home on the weekends which were full of playing board games and David often showing off his magic tricks which he was known for as the years pressed on. He affectionately called Charlotte his "baby sister" despite her being more like a mother to him. They have a bond that is eternal and deep within the two of their souls. David is also survived by his sister Jacquie C. Waller and his brother in law William A. Waller of Clifton Park. He is also survived by brother-in-laws (Terri's brothers) John "Johnny" Rupsis and Jerry Smith who considers Dave more like a brother to him and his children, a niece Sara A. Monticup (Nicholas) and nephews Jerry Smith and Jacob Smith. He also has a great niece Melanie by his beloved niece Sara A. Monticup. He is also survived by sister in laws Tammy Smith and Melissa Sylvester. David is also survived by his nephew Joseph A. Hawkins (Heather) of Colonie along with their children which are David's great niece Addyson, great nephew Anthony, great niece Starr, and great nephew Mick. David and Joe shared a love of music and would often be found on the shared family holidays playing their guitars together and sharing in the bond that they will forever have. David is also survived by his niece Judith A. Hawkins "Jude" of Albany who, through David's courageous battle with cancer she referred to as her "Rocky Balboa." Jude was honored to share in the steps that her Uncle so courageously took and will forever carry the many conversations they shared in her heart. David is also predeceased by his best friend Rick Flack whom he shared a bond with since their teenage years. Dave has countless friends that he has made through his years that are too numerous to mention yet such a vital part of his life including neighbors that have given David so much love and support. You have been a blessing to David and his family on this journey. A vital part of David's journey was the friendship that he built with his niece's best friend Bendie Hartnagle and the devoted care, compassion, love and nurturing that she showed to David during his chemotherapy treatments and journey. As a family we are grateful to Bendie who warmly became known as David's "chemo buddy" whom he felt safe with and looked forward to seeing. David referred to his niece Jude and Bendie as his "little soldiers." We also would like to thank the staff at Albany Medical Center Hospital on the Oncology-Floor D who provided him with exceptional care through his many hospital stays in these last 6 months. Although David is no longer with us in the physical we know that he is making the angels laugh with his always spot on comedic way and playing his music with perhaps a Gibson Les Paul he found in heaven as he would always repeat through this journey that "I have too many notes left to play." To this we say....play on to an amazing man. The Family will receive relatives and friends on Friday June 19th from 4PM until 6PM at the Riverview Funeral Home, 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) in North Troy. A funeral service will commence at 6PM in the funeral home that same evening. Visitation 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Friday, June 19, 2015 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Funeral Service 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, June 19, 2015 Riverview Funeral Home 218 2nd Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180