Obituary of David L. Carr

Death Notice of David Leon Carr

June 8, 1932 – March 26, 2025

David Leon Carr, 92, of Hamburg, NY, passed away peacefully with family at his side on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Formerly of Westfield, NY, David was predeceased by his beloved wife, Beverley Rae Moon Carr. David and Beverley were married on August 1, 1959.

Born in Salamanca, NY, David grew up on the family farm in Red House, NY, and attended a one-room schoolhouse through eighth grade. He then attended Randolph High School in Randolph, NY, graduating with the Class of 1949. Following high school, he went to work for the Allegany State Park Commission before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1951. During his service in the Korean War, David graduated from the Army's Ranger School at Fort Benning, GA, and was assigned to the Military Intelligence Service's 157th Special Operations Detachment. He was discharged at Fort Carson, CO, in 1954. Among his commendations were the Bronze Star, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Following his military service, David began a distinguished career with the New York State Police, serving in Troops B and A. He retired in 1976 as a Senior Investigator with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. In addition to his official duties, David received several letters of commendation from State Police Superintendents for his outstanding work on several high-profile investigative cases. After retiring from the force, he launched an unsuccessful bid for Chautauqua County Sheriff in 1978, running against incumbent John Bentley. He later continued his professional contributions as a corporate security consultant with United Refinery Company in Warren, PA.

David's deep commitment to public service was a testament to his dedication to the community. He served on the Westfield School Board and the Chautauqua BOCES School Board. David's passion for improving the lives of the residents of Westfield was exhibited by his election to the village board of trustees from 1997 to 2001, and he ran successfully for four two-year terms as mayor between 2005 and 2013. He loved his community.

In his youth, Dave was an accomplished skier and ski jumper, and he competed at the ski jumps of Allegany State Park and other competitions across the Northeast. He was a proud member of the Interstate Ski Club, earning local recognition for his athleticism and grace on the slopes—an early passion that reflected his lifelong love of the outdoors. Dave was also one of many founding investors in the Eagle Ridge Ski Resort in Westfield in the early 1960s, helping to bring winter recreation opportunities to the region. He was an avid amateur photographer and enjoyed traveling the world during retirement with his wife, Beverley. Among his greatest joys was spending time with family at his in-laws' summer cottage on Brule Lake in Ontario, Canada. David loved entertaining friends and family and was known for his good cooking, generous libations, and unforgettable practical jokes.

A Master Mason for 69 years, David was affiliated with several lodges across Western New York, including the Great Valley Lodge, Summit Lodge in Westfield, and the Forrest Lodge of Fredonia. His long-standing membership reflected his lifelong commitment to fellowship, service, and integrity.

David is survived by his son, Bryan Carr (Doreen) of Hamburg, NY; daughter, Cynthia Carr Rodrigues (Reginaldo) of Ypsilanti, MI; grandchildren, Jason Carr (Shannon) of Penfield, NY, and Megan Carr of Aurora, CO; grandchildren, Andrew Rodrigues of Clinton, MI, and Daniela Rodrigues of Ypsilanti, MI; and great-granddaughters, Charlotte and Madeleine Carr of Penfield, NY.

In addition to his wife, David was predeceased by his parents, Leon and Helen Carr of Salamanca, NY, and his brother, James Neal Carr of East Randolph, NY.

Family and friends are invited to visit the Mason Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY, from 4 to 7 PM, Friday, June 6, followed by a celebration of life on Saturday, June 7 at 11 AM at the First United Methodist Church of Westfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011, or the Patterson Library, 40 S. Portage St., Westfield, NY 14787.

Condolences may be shared online at www.masonfuneral.com.