David M. Sturges

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 January 2025 at 3:19 pm

HAMILTON –  David M. Sturges, 92, of Hamilton, died peacefully at his home on Friday, January 24, 2025.

Dave was born on January 25, 1932, in Albion, NY., a son of the late Francis and Lucy (Mack) Sturges.

Dave graduated from Albion High School in 1950 and received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Rochester in 1954. He then served as an officer in the US Navy aboard the USS Hazelwood (DD 531) from 1955 until 1958. Following his time in the military, Dave received his MBA in Finance from the Wharton School of Business Finance at the University of Pennsylvania in 1959.

In 1959, Dave married his first wife, Sarah Vinopal with whom he had his daughter, Nora Sturges.

Also in 1959, Dave began his 30-year career with IBM where he would go on to hold several executive positions in the company, and that portion of his career took him to Japan for two years. His education continued after retiring early from IBM, and in 1994, he earned his PhD in Economics from Yale University.  Dave worked for one year as a visiting assistant professor at Middlebury College, and in 1995 arrived in Hamilton where he became the Professor of Economics at Colgate University, a position he held until his retirement in 2011.

On April 19, 1997, Dave married Jana M. Laxa at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hamilton, New York.

After retiring a second time, Dave continued to tutor adults preparing for GED mathematics exams and taught several adult education classes in economics well into his 80s, including classes at the Camp Georgetown Correctional Facility. In addition to a life of fruitful work, he enjoyed reading, cycling, walking, skiing, opera, symphony, lively discussions, traveling, and opening the doors of his and Jana’s lakehouse to loved ones.

Dave is survived by his wife, Jana; his daughter, Nora Sturges (Geoff Becker) of Baltimore, Maryland; David Vinopal of Boise, Idaho, and Jan Vinopal (Becky), also of Boise, Idaho; Edward (Mette Egstrand) Vinopal of Horsholm, Denmark; his grandchildren, Bruno Becker, Janny Vinopal, Mischa Vinopal, Calvin Vinopal, and Nola Patrick; and his 2 nieces, Linda Moore and Carol Petronio.

He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy Woodcook.

The burial service will be held at St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church in Hamilton, New York at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mid-York Senior Homes at Madison Lane, the Hamilton Food Cupboard, and the St. Thomas’ Discretionary Fund. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 25 Broad St., Hamilton, NY 13346.