David Cecil Brands, age 78, passed away on January 11, 2024. He was born on February 25, 1945 and attended Hyde Park schools, graduating from Roosevelt High School, Class of 1963. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from Albany College of Pharmacy in 1968.
He worked as a pharmacist at Cortland Memorial Hospital. While living in Cortland, he met Marilyn Vail. They were married in 1976 and moved back to Dutchess County to be near their families. David worked for Bob Drug, Green Haven, Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center, and then retired from Hudson River Psychiatric Center in 2007.
In 1981 David and Marilyn welcomed twin boys, Kenneth and Benjamin, who made their life complete. As the boys grew, life was busy with town baseball and soccer games, and then Arlington track and marching band.
David was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Pleasant Valley, serving as elder, deacon and trustee and arranging his schedule around church activities. He was a member of Pleasant Valley Grange, Dutchess County Pomona Grange, New York State Grange, and National Grange. He filled many offices at Pleasant Valley Grange and enjoyed attending State Grange conventions.
David loved socializing with family and friends. He looked forward to family dinners, picnics, and card parties. He played pinochle with a men's group that had continuously played cards since the 1940's, through 3 generations. He loved camping trips to explore nature and history but his favorite was the annual Labor Day camping trip to Gilbert Lake State Park that began when the children were small and grew to include extended family.

Most of all, David loved his life as a father and grandfather. As his Parkinson's progressed, he maintained his cheerful disposition, his sense of humor, and his determination to keep going. His grandchildren brought him so much joy.
He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his son Kenneth and daughter-in-law Dara and their son Parker, and his son Benjamin and daughter-in-law Sarah and their children Ian and Layla. He is also survived by his sister Helen Traver and his brothers Charles (Frances)Traver and Donald (Patricia) Traver and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and Alden Traver.
Calling hours will take place at the Allen Funeral Home, 1605 Main Street, Pleasant Valley, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19. The funeral will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1576 Main Street, Pleasant Valley at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Valley.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home, Pleasant Valley.