David Theodore Brink

Funeral services will be private.

David Theodore Brink, age 92, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at his home in Lake Katrine. David was born in Kingston, NY on March 9, 1933, to Hubert and Eva Brink (Rifenburg), and was raised on the Brink Homestead in Lake Katrine.

He began his education in a one room schoolhouse and spent the rest of his time working on the farm and at the family mercantile, Brink Brothers. After graduating from Kingston High School in 1950, David married and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He and his wife Gloria traveled from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Orono, Maine, where David earned a degree in forestry. From there they moved to Siren, Wisconsin and then back to Lake Katrine, growing their family along the way. Finally settled, David spent many years at Rondout Valley School District as an earth science teacher and as proprietor of Brink's Trailer Park.

A proud, lifelong Democrat, he dedicated many years of service to the Town of Ulster as a planning board member and a town councilman. In his retirement years, he had many adventures, including travel with Gloria and three cross-country solo biking trips. David had a deep love of the outdoors and was never happier than when walking in the woods. Over the years, he planted countless trees and nurtured his property into a haven for birds, insects, and all manner of wildlife. He was also a trusted source on the history of Lake Katrine, Ulster County, and Brink family genealogy. A bibliophile and lover of words, David took great pleasure in his extensive library and was rarely seen without a book or newspaper in his lap. Along with his love of books, politics and history, David cherished the loyal company of his dogs, who were always an important part of his life. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his generosity, and the tireless energy he brought to everything he did.

He was the devoted husband to his wife Gloria Brink (Lamphere), with whom he would have celebrated 71 years of marriage this month. He is also survived by his children, Peter Brink (Maya), Paul Brink (Cheryl), Ann Connors (Andrew), and Karen Noonan (Peter). Grandchildren, Leah Hertzog (Brent), Joshua Brink (Megan), Andrew Brink (Jackie), Alex Brink (Celena), Jacob Connors (Brittany), Erin Lambrou (Costa), Keira and Declan Noonan. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Silas, Addy, Grady and Daisy, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Hubert (Nancy) and Joel (Gisela) and his daughter, Susan Brink, in 2011.

If you would like to honor David's memory, plant a tree and let your lawn grow wild.