David J. Backus, 74

PHOENIX, NY – David  J. Backus, 74, of Oneida River Road, Pennellville, NY, passed away suddenly at home on Tuesday May 19, 2015.

He was born in Syracuse, NY, to his late parents, Edward and Thelma Backus in 1940.

David was in the US Navy on board the USS Essex.

After the military service he was an auto mechanic for Bill Rapp Pontiac and Dave Ball Chevrolet.

He was a member of the Teamsters Local 317 Union and was a truck driver for Santaro Trucking Co. and later hauled double trailers for St. Johnsbury Trucking Co. until he retired.

David owned and drove a Ford modified racecar at Brewerton, Fulton, Weedsport, Rolling Wheels and LaFargeville speedways in the 1970s.

He enjoyed racing, motorcycling, boating, fishing and his family and his dogs.

David was preceeded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Suzanne Backus; his brother, Leeland Backus; and just recently, his brother, Donald Backus, on May 20.

Surviving are two sons, Eric (Shelley) Backus of Phoenix and Aron (Michelle) Backus of Fulton; two daughters, BethAnn Whelan of Pennellville and Pamela (Gary) Pittman of Baldwinsville; one brother, George (Bonnie) Backus of Bridgeport; sister-in-law, Patricia Backus of Kirkville and sister-in-law, Bess Backus; 18 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; aunts, uncles; nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday May 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Allanson-Glanville-Tappan Funeral Home, 431 Main St., Phoenix, followed by a 7 p.m. funeral service in the funeral home, with the Rev. Terrance E. Millbyer officiating, with US Navy honors included.

Contributions in David’s memory to: V.A. Medical Center, 800 Irving Ave., Syracuse, NY  13210. missing or outdated ad config

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