David Lee Drum

Hammondsport– David Lee Drum, 77, died very unexpectedly on January 18, 2026, while on a kayaking trip in the Everglades National Park. He was born in Wayland, NY, on November 5, 1948, the son of Paul David and Cora Lee (Neil) Drum. He graduated from Wayland Central School in 1966, studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Rochester, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1970. He received his MSME from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1971.

Dave had a strong work ethic. When in school, he worked on the Bernie Mack farm, cleaned school buses for Wayland Central School, and worked in production for the Gunlocke Chair Company. After graduating, he worked for the Naval Ship Engineering Center from 1971 to 1972, doing hydrofoil design. On January 2, 1973, he started his career at Corning Inc in the MTE division, retiring April 1, 2009, as a Distinguished Associate. He received his 50-year service pin in 2023.

David served as Scoutmaster for Troop 18 in Hammondsport, where he and his scouts had many an outdoor adventure together, culminating in a trip to Philmont Scout Ranch with his son. His favorite scouting phrase was “We are not lost, just not where we are supposed to be.” In retirement, he volunteered for the Finger Lakes Trail, coordinating the construction of the Hickory Hill Lean To, and served as a certified sawyer. He also volunteered for the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, first remodeling the current facility and then restoring three boats, the Lady Jane, a 1905-1950 Henry Sutherland, a Dispro, and a 1905 Fairchild-Grant.

Dave loved anything to do with the great outdoors, hiking in many National Parks and with friends all over the world, cross-country ski racing (competed in many races, including the American Birkebeiner several times), and fishing in Canada, the Amazon, and Christmas Island. But his real passion was marathon canoe and kayak racing. He was a proud member of the 700-mile club of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta and winner of the 1990 USCAA National Championship C-2 Masters race. His favorite race was the Adirondack Canoe Classic (90-miler), which he paddled both solo and with partners in his kayak or canoe many times, over 2000miles total. As he put it, “finishing my usual third place.”

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Jo (nee Littleton), his son John and wife Molly and two grandchildren Benjamin David and Isabelle Jo all of which he adored. He is also survived by his brother Marshall (Bobbie) and sister Virginia (Don) as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and an infant sister, Mary Sue.

It was David’s wish that there be no calling hours or services. A Celebration of Life will be held next summer at his home, where he hoped all his friends would come enjoy the day telling tall tales about him.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Finger Lakes Boating Museum, 8231 Pleasant Valley Road, Hammondsport, NY, The Finger Lakes Trail Association, 6111 Visitor Center Road, Mt. Morris, NY, or a charity of your choice.