Obituary of David N. Kobernuss

David N. Kobernuss, Sr. enjoyed a productive, happy life that ended peacefully on April 5, 2023, passing as he wished—quietly, in Hospice’s tender care, at home with his family.

His college years began in an accelerated program at BuffaloTechnical High School and Carnegie Technical Institute. After two years he enlisted in the US Army, and was assigned to the very secret Manhattan Project at Sandia Base, Alamogordo,  NM. 

Discharged in 1947, he completed his BSEE at CTI (now Carnegie Mellon U). 

His professional career began at American Locomotive Co., continued as Maintenance Mgr and Electrical Superintendent for Reynolds Metals Co.  He moved to Syracuse and Crucible Steel Co. in 1964. 

Completing his MS in Engineering Administration at Syracuse University in 1968, he became Engineering Manager at Rome Strip Steel Corp., the job that he loved most. Retiring in 1993 after 25 years, he began a second 26-year career—that of a free-lance industrial “Expert Witness for Litigation”.  He consulted in China, Germany, India, Mexico, and Wales as well as in the US. His opinions were published in professional journals and industry publications.

Ever alert to community needs, he was a hard-working member of many enabling organizations:

Rome Rotary Club (Treasurer), Rome Academy of Sciences (Treasurer),

Rome Zoning Board of Appeals (Chairman), Parking Authority, YMCA (Board President, V. President); Oneida County Cooperative Extension (Board President); Multiple Interveners (a NY state-wide industrial energy association, Founder and President); Oneida County Joint Energy Task Force, Oneida County Industrial/Labor/Education Council,  Salary Review Committee (Chairman); Town of Annsville Planning Board, Board of Assessment Review (Chairman); Town of Annsville, Oneida County, & NY State Democratic Committees; Boy Scout Troop Leader; Utica Sail and Power Squadron (Instructor and Commander).

David was predeceased by his parents:  Norman M. Kobernuss and Ruth Davis Kobernuss, his sister and brother-in-law: Grace Ruth K. and Calvin Morgan.

He leaves his wife of 47 years, Betty, and her son, Geoffrey E. Moore; David’s three children: Gretchen Hoyt (husband Mark, his daughter Melanie); David, Jr., (wife Lisie and daughters Chloe and Austin); Richard (wife Loreen, children Brian and Ria), nephews Dan McKay, Neal Morgan (Carol) and John Morgan (Lynn), and niece Katherine M. Kilgore.

The family invites friends and his fellow volunteers to a celebration of David’s life at The Franklin Hotel, 301 So. James St., Rome, NY, Tuesday, June 13, at 5:00 PM. Do come and share personal memories and smiles as we pay tribute to a life well lived.  Light refreshments will be served.  Please call 315-723-1806 or email Betty at bmkobernuss@icloud.com for reservations. 

Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome.