Obituary of David Warren Watkins

David Warren Watkins Age 74 of Elmira and formerly of Binghamton NY, passed away peacefully at the Arnot Ogden Medical Center on Friday, November 24, 2023 with his wife and son by his side.  David was born in Johnson City NY, the oldest of 6 sons to the late Gordon W. and Jean (Vincent) Watkins.  In addition to his parents, David was predeceased by brothers Robert and William Watkins; aunt and uncle Nancy and John Yuhas.  David is survived by his wife of 38 years, Leslie-Ann Bogart Watkins; son Matthew R. Watkins of San Diego CA; daughter Sara P. Watkins with her wife Sarah Dittiger of Tucson, AZ; son Benjamin D. Watkins of Binghamton NY; grandchildren, Regina E. Watkins and Wyatt B. Watkins; brothers, Richard “Richie” Watkins with wife Karen of Owego NY, John Watkins with wife Carla of California, and Gordon Watkins of Arizona; former wife Maria Pennock of San Diego, CA; aunt Colleen Bugler of Maryland; and many beloved nieces and nephews.    

David attended Owego Free Academy and was a graduate of Blair Academy in Blairstown, NJ. He graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor’s Degree from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.  It was at Cornell where David met his first wife Maria.  Upon completing his education, he moved to Oakland CA and worked in human resources and labor relations for the Teamsters Union.  Upon moving back to the east coast David spent some time living in Philadelphia and working for Temple University, and worked several other positions before working as the Human Resources Director for the City of Binghamton NY for 12 years. David’s son Matthew was born to he and Maria in 1978.  David married his wife, Leslie-Ann, in 1986 and Sara and Benjamin were born to he and Leslie-Ann in 1988 and 1995 respectively.  David was passionate about his dogs, bird hunting, snow-skiing, golfing, boating and fishing with his family on Cayuga Lake and Chautauqua Lake, and barbequing on the grill in the summer months.  David was an avid Philadelphia Eagles fan, a passion he passed on to his children.  David was a friend of Bill and Bob for over 30 years.  He was an open book with the gift of gab who would share his life story with anybody willing to listen. He loved connecting with people on an emotional level and wasn’t afraid to cry. David was a colon cancer survivor and a lifelong believer in God. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren, and cherished the time spent with them. He will be sorely missed. He has finally found eternal rest in God’s loving embrace.   

Private family services will be held in the Spring.  Those wishing may remember David with a donation to Fairview Recovery Services, 5 Merrick St. Binghamton NY  13904, or donate directly to them on their website at frsinc.co.