| Date of Birth | September 5, 1948 |
| Date Deceased | August 19, 2022 |
| Hometown | Almond |
| Home State | N.Y. |
| Service Date | August 29, 2022 |
| Service Time | 10 a.m. |
| Service Location | St. Ann's Church, Hornell |
David J. “Dave” Cregan
ALMOND/SPRING HILL, FL – David J. “Dave” Cregan, 73, passed away suddenly Friday (Aug. 19, 2022) at St. James Hospital in Hornell. Dave was born in Hornell on Sept. 5, 1948 to John F. “Jack” and Elizabeth (McChesney) Cregan.
He was a graduate of Hornell High School, class of 1966, and went on to attend Niagara University, class of 1970. He served in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1972, including being stationed in Vietnam. After Vietnam, he served in the inactive Reserves and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army Reserves in August 1976. After that he returned to Niagara University where he received an M.S. in Education in 1974 and continued to receive his 60-hour certificate in counseling. He married his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” (Sermak) Cregan, who survives, on Aug. 24, 1974.
Upon graduating he worked at St. Charles Borromeo School in Greece, NY. From there he went onto Hornell High School where he taught Social Studies for one year. He then worked for Prudential Insurance for seven years before returning to Hornell High School working as a guidance counselor until he retired in 2008. A dream of his after retiring came true as he was able to spend 14 years wintering in Florida.
He was a member of the Hornell Council No. 243 Knights of Columbus and Twin Hickory Golf Course, where he ran a quota league for the past several years. Throughout his life he loved the game of golf (both playing and watching) and was a die-hard Buffalo Bills and Boston Red Sox fan. He also was an avid reader, who could often be found sitting in his recliner with Kindle in hand. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.
In addition to his wife of 48 years, he is survived by a daughter, Erin; a son, Patrick (Nicole); grandson, Jack and granddaughter, Bea; brother, Kevin (Rae); sister, Nancy Peck; sister-in-law, Lillian Sermak; and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Elizabeth; in-laws, Walter and Margaret Sermak; brother-in-law, Bill Peck; brother-in-law, John Sermak; and his beloved dog, Bingo.
To honor his wishes there will be no calling hours. Relatives and friends are invited to join his family at St. Ann’s Church, 31 Erie Ave., Hornell where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in his memory, followed by military honors, at 10 a.m. Monday (Aug. 29, 2022).
In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to either the Buffalo City Mission, 100 E. Tupper St., Buffalo, NY 14203, the Food Bank of the Southern Tier, 388 Upper Oakwood Ave., Elmira, NY 14903, the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Rd., Hornell, NY 14843 or to a charity of their choice. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the church.
The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell is honored to assist David’s family with the arrangements.
Online condolences or remembrances of Dave are welcome below in the comment section or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.
David was truly a good and kind man, it was my pleasure to have been able to call him a Friend. My most sincere condolences to Kathy and the entire family. Rest in Peace my friend.
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. He was a kind and compassionate friend. He was a great counselor and greatly appreciated his work with Bridget, when she was in school.
My condolences to Kathy, Erin and Patrick.
Sorry for his families loss. He was a great guidance counselor and great man. My condolences to his family.
I know what you are going through right now is very difficult , just know that I am here for you. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest In Peace David.
Dear Kathy, Erin and Pat and Nikki,
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Dave’s kind smile at Mass over the years. We are holding you in love and prayers,
Bob and Kim Donius
Dave was a thoughtful and caring person and I’m saddened by the news of his death. I always loved reminiscing with him about growing up on Riverside Place! My sincere condolences to his wife Kathy and children and especially to Kevin and Nancy. The years have gone by fast.
I know what you are going through right now is ver difficult, just want you to know I’m here for you. I am truly sorry for your loss my dear friend. Rest In Peace David.
Kathy and Family, Very sorry for your loss, David was a close friend and will be sorely missed our thoughts and prayers go
out you and your family. Dave and Mary Bordeaux
Truly a gentleman! always representative a strong character. putting another people first . It was my pleasure to know Dave and his family. May he rest
at the golden gates of heaven with our savior Jesus Christ. Amen JD
We are so sorry to hear about Dave. Sorry to Kathy and family. Tom said he was gonna miss you on the golf course Dave alot of fond memories North and South. RIP my friend. Tom & Martha Rink
My father, Bill and Dave’s father Jack were brothers. I spent many summer days playing with Dave, Kevin and Nancy in their backyard on Riverside Place. Lots of card games at the picnic table or Red Rover in the yard. Lots of fun in the good ol’ days.
I distinctly remember when Dave came home from Viet Nam and I saw him in his uniform. He was soooo handsome! I was so glad he made it back alive. Despite losing touch as we all grew up, I will always remember him as one of the good guys.
Shocked and saddened by this news. So many fond memories of growing up with all my Cregan cousins. Thinking of you Kevin, Nancy, Kathy and families. Wish I could attend the Mass.
David Cregan was a breath of fresh air at HHS and in the entirety of his life. When you encountered David you could always be sure of a welcoming smile and a friendly conversation. In his job as guidance counselor he was supportive of students and teachers alike and often provided insight into a student’s academic performance. David left his mark and many will surely miss and remember him
My memories of David (I don’t ever remember calling him Dave)
Family gatherings at Gramma’s big house. I’m not sure when they ended but it seems like we went there every Sunday and when everyone showed up there could be over twenty people there with a lot of little kids. Very noisy. There were poker games on the back porch and every single adult smoking.
Backyard cookouts when Gramma moved to the little house. Summer of 1970 I remember sitting with David on the back steps of the big house and discussing what he could expect at NU. I think he had a plan to come home once a month so that Aunt Liz could do his wash. Not sure how that turned out.
Football games in the yard.
Talking with him at my mother’s funeral about 20 years ago.
Fun at the lake although one day David and I got into a little dust-up in a badminton game. A “little dust-up” because it was loud but not physical. I don’t remember the details but I like to think that Gramma resolved it by giving us an ice cream sandwich or a Popsicle and told us to behave. People may recall that members of the Cregan Clan had occasional “dust-ups”.
I was very surprised and sorry to hear of his passing. He was a good guy. My condolences to everyone who knew him.
Mr. Cregan was instrumental in my success in high school and my career in emergency medicine. He helped me through many tough classes, as I struggled to handle the stress of not always getting an A. He also convinced me to spend my senior year doing the health occupations class from BOCES and I’ve always been grateful for that. I love being a PA and that class really helped prepare me for college. He was the best guidance counselor. My condolences to the family.
So very very sorry to hear of David passing he was such a Special Guy. He always welcomed you with that warm Cregan smile. He along with his wonderful parents we’re very supportive of Jack after his accident. My heart goes out to Kathy, Erin, Patrick n those precious grandchildren. Life goes on but it is never ever quite the same with the Loss of someone so loved as David.
Dave was my first Insurance Agent when I became of age. Always love him coming to the house and having a brew or 2. Thoughts and Prayers are with his family.
The Robert Drumm Family
I was so sorry to read of Dave passing. We were friends through high school and although we lost connection after graduation he was definitely one of the good guys . My sincere condolences to the family.
Connie LaPiana Rempe
Very shocked to hear of Dave’s passing, my sincere condolences to his family. Dave was a man of integrity and kindness. We enjoyed having him come to our home as an Agent for Prudential in 70/80s. He was Guidance counselor at HHS for my children. I knew him in school and was friends with brother Kevin. God bless his family during this very difficult time, prayers for peace and comfort.