David Borthwick

Rev. David Bruce Borthwick, 65, passed away in his home on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, after a brave struggle with cancer.

David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cherene (Stevens), and his parents, David E. Borthwick and Ann (Wilcox) Borthwick. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Samantha and Matthew Marsh; his son and daughter-in-law, Joshua Borthwick and Dilcia Burgos; his step-son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Meghan Dabulewicz; and his step-daughter and son-in-law, Jessica (Dabulewicz) and Frederick Hess; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Carol O’Brien and Katherine Burns; niece, Sarah (Burns) Valerio; mother-in-law, Ann Stevens; and, several aunts, uncles and cousins.

David was born on January 11, 1950, in New Britain, CT. He attended primary school in Kensington, CT, before attending boarding school at The Gunnery. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Ithaca College and a master’s in divinity from Andover Newton Theological Seminary. David began his service as a pastor at Christ First Congregational Church, in Moravia, NY, and has spent the last eight years leading St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, in Auburn, NY, as well as working with the Calvary Food Pantry, in Auburn. He also worked for many years as a salesperson and manager at Koerner Ford in Syracuse, NY.

Wherever David found himself, he took great satisfaction in leading and organizing people around a common purpose, and was skilled as a counselor and mentor.

The family would like to thank the entire congregation at St. Luke’s. They were a loving family to Rev. Dave, and their support made his last few years happier and more gratifying, and his final days more comfortable. May David’s light shine on in all those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service for David will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015, at St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, in Auburn. Friends are invited to call at the church on Saturday from 2: 00 - 4:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend the celebration of David’s life.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in David’s memory to St. Luke’s United Church of Christ, 25 Seminary Street, Auburn, NY 13021.