Privatera, David J.
MACEDON: David J. Privatera, 78, of Macedon passed away January 24, 2025, at his home following a long battle with cardiac amyloidosis. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Fay (Foster) and their children, Patrick (Maureen) Privatera of LeRoy and Lindsay Pothos of Webster, his sister Connie (late Joseph) Nicastro of Webster/Punta Gorda, FL and sister-in-law Kathy (late James) Foster of Webster. He is also survived by his 6 beloved grandchildren: 1st LT David M. Privatera USMC, Megan Privatera, Allison Privatera, Samantha Privatera, Eliana Pothos and Eva Pothos; nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Antoinette (Mendola) Privatera of Penfield, and many aunts and uncles of his large extended Italian family.
Dave was a technology teacher at Fairport High School from 1969-2001, where he inspired his students, developed a love of woodworking, and became a master wood craftsman himself. He started a side business, Creekside Cabinets, in Palmyra NY in the early 1980’s where he continued to work following his retirement from teaching, up until 2020. He built thousands of custom cabinets, kitchens, and pieces of furniture which will be treasured forever by his customers and family.
When not in his woodshop or busy with his grandchildren, Dave enjoyed spending time at his Adirondack cottage in Old Forge, NY. A fixer-upper on a beautiful waterfront lot, Dave’s woodworking skills were on full display as he transformed the cottage into a beautiful vacation home over the past 30 years.
Dave will be known for his sharp wit, his signature Ford vans, encyclopedic knowledge of World War II, and reverence for the members of the military who serve and protect our freedom and way of life. He loved and inspired his family and friends, who will sorely miss him.
A funeral mass will be held February 17th at 10 am at St. John’s of Rochester Church in Fairport, followed by a reception at the church. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Dave’s memory to: Amyloidosis Research Consortium (https://arci.org/donate/).
