David Bosnick

David Bosnick was born and raised in Syosset, on Long Island, both places he cherished. He was the loving son of Betty and George Bosnick.  He was a state champion wrestler, and won a football and lacrosse scholarship to East Carolina U. where he earned a bachelor’s degree in literature—and nearly earned his degree in education. He received his Masters degree in English at SUNY Brockport, his PhD in Creative Writing at Binghamton University, and his MAT in English at BU. After many years owning and running independent bookstores in Binghamton and on Cape Cod, he became director of the bookstore at Colgate University and then a consortium director for three Pennsylvania college bookstores. Having been promoted to the point where he no longer had anything to do with the books or readers he cared about, he moved to his second career—and first inclination—as a teacher.
For the past thirteen years he taught eighth grade English at West Middle School, and a yearly class in Literature and the Law for the Philosophy Department at Binghamton University. He co-chaired the drama program at West Middle School in Binghamton, writing and directing original plays. He also wrote short stories, essays, plays and poems, told amazing and memorable stories, and his work was published and anthologized. He performed countless acts of quiet kindness and generosity and always wore a three piece suit to teach his classes. He spoke his mind even in difficult circumstances but did it in such a humorous and whole-hearted way that few people ever took offense.
David passed away in Belfast, North Ireland, where he was living for six months with his wife and daughter Lily. He died suddenly while working out in the gym at Queen's University in Belfast.  Everyone who knew him was elevated by the acquaintance. He was a dedicated father, an adoring husband, a loving son, brother, uncle, friend, and he leaves behind his wife Liz of 30 joyful years; son Eli and daughter Lily, as well as sisters Susan and Eve, mother Betty, and numerous nieces and nephews, countless friends and grateful students. He was a man of exuberance, a man of faith, and he would exhort his students at the end of every class with the following "Go forth you angels of eighth, you wizards of West, you acmes, you geniuses-- get out there and light the world!" The funeral will be held at noon on Thursday, February 6 at The Chabad House Center at 420 Murray Hill Road in Vestal. He will be interred at the Beth David Cemetery in Conklin, NY. A memorial service at West Middle School is also being planned. Please check the following for information and updates: Eli Bosnick at Facebook. Calling hours for shiva (mourning and paying sympathy calls) will be daily for a week starting Thursday, from 2-4 pm and again from 7-9 at the house of Beth and Paul Burch, 7 Briar Ct. (between Crary and West End Ave).Donations may be made to the 50 things I Wanted You to Know Fund, for Literature and Drama, at 1326 Riverside Drive, Apt 43, NYC NY 10033.  

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