David William Tinsman passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, October 2nd, just one day after his 70th birthday. David was the first-born child to E. William Tinsman and M. Lorraine Fulmer of Easton, PA. David spent the first 47 years of his life in PA enjoying his lovely home on College Hill in Easton with his mother, father and younger sister and brother. During those years, David participated in many memorable moments with family, friends and relatives.
It was in this first chapter in David’s life that he developed his short, but never disappointing list of things that he absolutely loved. Bowling, mini golf, food, carnivals and television were the things he would enjoy without fail. Although slight in stature, David had a full-sized appetite and, along with his mother’s wonderful home cooked meals, David also loved to eat out. Not necessarily to try new things as he knew what he liked and rarely strayed from his personal menu as routine was his comfort zone. Anyone who knew Dave in his younger years, or even to a more recent time could almost order for him, with spaghetti being his “go to” topped off with ice cream or a slice of homemade pie. He also loved carnivals, both big and small. There was something about the lights, action and excitement that drew in his attention like nothing else. He could spend the whole day enjoying the food, sights and rides, especially the bumper cars. Bushkill Park and, later, the Champlain Valley Fair were his favorites. Television also played a big role in David’s life as he could watch reruns of Superman, Leave it to Beaver and the Twilight zone endlessly. Beyond all else though was his infatuation with the Wizard of Oz. Even today after seeing it hundreds of times you could still see him get excited especially when the witch would make her entrance.
The sudden loss of his father in 1999 would forever change his family’s life and would alter the course of Dave’s future, as well as the home he and his mom knew so well. His mom made the decision to sell their home and move to reunite with the remainder of her family in VT where David’s younger sister and brother Steven resided. As big a move as it was, especially for someone like Dave that was averse to change, the second chapter in his life would end up being wonderfully rewarding for him. A cozy condo situated in the foothills of the Green Mountains in Jericho Vermont was where David would now call home. There David would often be seen striding around the quiet neighborhood loop. It was at this time that David began living his best life, especially once introduced to the services of Howard Mental Health and his devoted case manager for the remainder of his life, Jess Fox. Through outings with several wonderful individual care providers over a 23-year span, David thrived. He loved to bowl and enjoyed eating lunch out with his care providers. This helped him form a well-rounded life for which his mom was forever thankful. When his mother passed in 2019 there was concern that David would struggle without his most ardent protector who had defended him so strongly against the many challenges he faced. David surprised everyone by adapting to the situation and carrying on with the help of his younger brother and sister.
Then tragedy struck once again when he lost his younger brother to cancer in 2021. During those difficult times, his sister Sharon lovingly took the lead to make sure David’s needs were taken care of. In addition to steadfastly taking him to all his medical appointments, Sharon would enjoy the company of her brother on their regular Wednesday outings where they developed a newfound appreciation for each other. For the last three years, David resided with longtime Howard respite provider Joyce Fortin where he enjoyed good conversation, shared television shows and wonderful home cooked meals.
David was predeceased by his father Bill in 1999, mother Lorraine in 2019 and younger brother Steven in 2021. He is survived by his sister Sharon Carpenter and her husband John of Williston, VT and their daughter Kellie Carpenter of Essex Jct., VT. He is also survived by his cousins Karen, Eric and Holly Gingras of Burlington, VT and Chris Savoni of TX, his Aunt Fay of Danville, VT and Aunt Betty and cousins back in PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations should go to Howard Mental Health (https://howardcenter.org/donate/) The services they offer are invaluable and greatly needed. Online condolences may be offered at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
