David Anthony Spengler

David Anthony Spengler was born October 10, 1942, at Fort Benning, Georgia, to U.S. Army Colonel Daniel Stickley Spengler and Jane Coates Atkinson Spengler. Known to his family as "Spike," David was predeceased by his three siblings: Daniel Spengler, Jr. (Kong); Jane Galvin (Dooley); and Ferdinand Zimmer Jr. (Ferdie).  He moved between Miami Shores/Coral Gables and Hampton Bays as a teen, and graduated from Hampton Bays High School in 1960, where he was the president of the school's National Honor Society and (at 6'8") a star basketball player.  He accepted a teaching scholarship to the State University of New York at Cortland, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry.  

He began his career teaching General Science at Great Hollow Junior High School, in Long Island's Smithtown School District.  It was there that this larger-than-life gentleman met the love of his life, Rande Butlar, a lovely, petite French teacher.  The two eloped in 1967, and welcomed their first child, Stephanie, at the end of that year.  In 1968, David earned his first Master's degree at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. He then took a position teaching advanced placement Chemistry at Commack High School South.  David was a legendary teacher in Commack, at both high schools, much beloved by students and colleagues alike for his inventive teaching methods, his humorous antics, and a passion for Science, which he passed along to countless students.  David and Rande's younger daughter, Pamela, was born in 1972, during the time when he was Class Advisor (and "school dad") to CHSS '75. 

David was first and foremost a provider, working as a full-time teacher, a basketball referree, a softball umpire; later umpire-in-chief of the Suffolk County ASA (Amateur Softball Association); and finally, as Director of Continuing Education for the Commack UFSD.  He was committed to providing the education his daughters needed to live their lives to the fullest. This incredibly giving human continually gave his all, so that all those around him could thrive, succeed and excel. 

He loved to travel with his family, to bring them into New York City to see theater and experience museums and countless wonders...and he loved to eat.  He remembered vacations by tastes; according the memory of places visited with cuisine enjoyed.  He shared his passion for exploration with friends and acquaintances alike, developing a rich continuing education program for his school district, taking trips with treasured travelling companions -- merging all of his passions for all to enjoy.  

After retiring, David paid homage to his father by volunteering for the Veterans of America, driving retirees to the VA Hospital for weekly treatments, showing them his hallmark kindness and consideration. 

David passed away from kidney failure on January 29, 2023. He was at home, surrounded by family.  David is survived by his wife, Rande; daughters Stephanie and Pamela; his sons-in-law Wayne and Scott; his grandchildren, Kate and Will; Darien and Eliot; nephews James, Mark, Brien and Timothy; great-nephew Thomas and great-niece Sarah.

David's memory will be cherished by family, friends, colleagues and so many students. His family has been humbled by the flood of beautiful memories that have been shared and hope that this memorial site provides an opportunity for further rememberances of a life so very well lived.

A memorial service will be held in Spring 2023; details will be shared on this page.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: The Khan Academy (https://donate.khanacademy.org), a nonprofit with the mission to provide a free, world-class STEM and general education for anyone, anywhere. Umps Care (https://umpscare.com), a charity organization founded through the compassion of professional umpires, which provides financial, in-kind and emotional support for America’s youth and families in need.