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Portrait of David John Kantor
Remembering David

David John Kantor

June 27, 1975 – May 12, 2025
Lived 49 years
Valley Cemetery · Syracuse, NY
Even the turtle must stick it’s neck out in order to get ahead
Life story

When we think of David, what comes to mind are the moments that made him who he was—the good moments, the lasting ones that stay with us.

David had a stubborn streak a mile long, but at his core, he was kind. He loved animals and surrounded himself with them—most recently, his dogs, Flash and Rex; his cats, Leroy, Otto, and a few others; and even Turtley the turtle.

He took great pride in his Snap-On business. It challenged him, and he was good at it—really good. He could recall part numbers from memory and, if asked for something specific, would head straight to it without hesitation.

He loved anything that moved fast—cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, dirt bikes, and UTVs—anything that could fill his need for speed. If he saw something he liked, he bought it and enjoyed it to the fullest.

David was a true jack of all trades. He could fix just about anything, often by piecing something together in his own way and making it work. He also had a natural gift for sales—he could connect with people and had a way of making things happen.

He loved working with his hands and being outdoors, often found running equipment and digging in the dirt—a passion that carried into his business, Tug Hill Earth & Lawn. It was something he truly enjoyed and took pride in, and from

a young age earned him the nickname Digger.

David also had a few close friends he truly valued and enjoyed spending time with—whether it was working, relaxing, or just sharing a laugh.

His sense of humor and his laugh were contagious. He loved being around people, having a good time, and making others laugh. His cooking skills were on par —he made a perfect steak and could whip up a delicious meal on the grill. He had an incredible recipe for French onion soup.

He lived a fast, full life and left behind so many memories for those who knew and loved him.

And in Seth, we can see so much of him still—his work ethic, his determination, his humor, and his spirit living on.

Read the obituary
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David’s life, in a printed book

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The world David knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1975
Born June 27
1976
David was 1 when America celebrated its Bicentennial
1981
David was 6 when MTV began broadcasting
1982
David was 7 when "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" opened in theaters
1995
David was 20 when "Toy Story" became the first fully computer-animated film
1998
David was 23 when "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was published in America
2004
David was 29 when Facebook was launched
2025
Passed away May 12, age 49
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