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David Hooghkirk

David Allyn Hooghkirk, 79, of Chester, and Palm Bay, Florida, passed away at his home in Florida on Dec. 23, 2023. David was born in New Haven, on Nov. 7, 1944, the eldest son of Albert F. Hooghkirk and Evelyn G. Bailey Hooghkirk.

He was so proud to have been a “Creeker,” living the first few years of his life in Stony Creek. Eventually, the family moved to Guilford where David graduated from Guilford High School in 1962. David served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 in Vietnam. In 1959, David began his drum corps career as a teenager in the Ancient Mariners. He is considered to be a “plank owner” or founding member of that corps. After his time in the service, he returned to play with the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps. He proudly served as president, business agent, treasurer, life-time trustee and was the “most nearly permanent” drum sergeant” for the Creek. He was involved with the Company of Fifers and Drummers from the beginning, especially after the purchase and development of the Museum of Fife and Drum, serving in many offices, as well as chairing the Building and Grounds Committee for many years. Playing the snare drum was his passion and lifelong hobby that brought him countless friendships worldwide, trips, and wonderful memories. He was happiest surrounded by people sharing this passion. In 1967, David joined forces with Lou Lavassa and Kneeland Chasney to form the Totoket Ancient Fife and Drum Corps (the female counterpart to Stony Creek). He was their drum instructor from the beginning. When the Ancient Mariners held their 50th Anniversary Parade and Muster, David said he’d go back for one parade, ultimately starting the next chapter of his journey. The comradeship and fellowship, as well as the love for the music, enveloped him and he became a “Mariner” once more!

David worked most of his adult life as a licensed Land Surveyor. He worked for T.M. Russell in Guilford after high school, as well as Eric Anderson and then Russell Waldo. In 1980, he went to work in Old Saybrook for Angus McDonald/Gary Sharpe and Associates. He surveyed most of Connecticut in his 43 years there. David met his wife Sylvia in 1973, and they were married on June 7, 1980 in Deep River, a lifetime of love and friendship.

David is survived by Sylvia; his son Daniel and his wife Nelle Robb of Melbourne, Florida; and his daughter Nicole Hooghkirk of Chester. He also leaves his beloved granddaughter Isabella Suzanne Negron, his pride and joy. He was predeceased by his sisters, Judith Bodner, Phyllis Evanuk and Janice Hooghkirk; as well as his brother Paul Hooghkirk. He is survived by his sister Sandra Murray of Branford.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 27, at the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, with military honors followed by a Celebration of Life at the Meeting House in Chester.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Department of Connecticut, the Ancient Mariners Connecticut or The Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps. Remember to be kind to each other and treat each other with respect.