It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of David Chandler Pixley, of Rochester, NY on May 31, 2026. His son and daughter were by his side at the Friendly Home, his nursing home for the past 3 years. Born on June 30, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, David was the son of Emily and Henry Pixley. He was predeceased by his loving wife, Virginia Pixley, his sister, Dorothy Pixley Rothschild, and his parents. 

Dave was a man of curiosity, integrity and compassion. He graduated from Cooley High School in Detroit and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from Albion College and his master’s degree from the University of Detroit, both in mathematics. His pioneering work in the 1960s with early computers, developing time-share systems for mainframe computers, was just the beginning of a remarkable career. Dave started working at Bausch & Lomb using computers to contribute to lens design. He was then hired by Scientific Data Systems. When the company had trouble with a computer that they were developing, they put Dave on a team of people to fix the problem at their headquarters in El Segundo, CA. He later moved back to Rochester when a good friend and colleague asked him to become one of the founders of Genesee Computer Center, which evolved into Genesee Survey Services, a successful Rochester corporation. During times of economic downturn, Dave and the other officers of the company took significant pay cuts so they would not have to lay off any of their employees. The company was a model of integrity, in part due to Dave’s leadership. During these years, Dave raised two children with his first wife, Elizabeth Pixley.

David was deeply committed to his community and church. A longtime member of Henrietta United Church of Christ, he served as treasurer, led a youth choir, and participated in numerous committees. He helped to start an affordable daycare center at the church to fill a need for local families. His dedication extended to education, as he was twice elected to the Rush-Henrietta school board where he consulted on enrollment projections and school consolidations during times of demographic shifts. David was a philanthropist at heart, generously supporting musical, religious, and cultural groups in Rochester. He was dedicated to his family, and he was quick to jump in the car to travel to them when his help was needed. When he married Virginia in 1993, he gained three wonderful step-children, and he widened his supportive circle to include them. “Sunshine,” his extended family’s camp in the Smoky Mountains, was a cherished place where Dave kept family connections strong. He loved learning about his family lineage.

Dave was a world traveler. His journeys took him on cruises and to European countries, and he spent many years camping and exploring national parks. He also had a love of race cars and driving long distances. No distance was too far for him to drive, and weather conditions did not faze him. He followed the Formula 1 circuit for years, watched countless IndyCar races, and even trained on the Watkins Glen track in his Mustang. Music was Dave’s biggest passion. He shared his love for song by performing with church choirs, barbershop groups, and choruses such as the Eastman Rochester Chorus, Genesee Valley Orchestra & Chorus, and New Horizons chorus. He created a rehearsal and performance space in his home where fellow musicians could perform. He continued to sing, even after a stroke limited his physical abilities. 

David is survived by his brother Richard Pixley and sister-in-law Susan; his children, Dawn Pixley (Jeremy Hawk) and Tom Pixley (Christine); his step-children, Debra Pregler (Bruce), Laura Wiegmann, and Kirk Harstead (Christina); and his very good friend, Laura Morrissey. David’s legacy of love continues through his grandchildren, Erik, Bailey, Katrina, Anna, Adam, Casey, and Jack, who were his pride and joy.

His family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Wendy, his compassionate private care aide, and the kind staff at the Friendly Home, where he spent his final years in comfort and dignity. David C. Pixley leaves behind a legacy of love, music, and community service. While he will be deeply missed, his spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 1^st at 10:00 am at Henrietta United Church of Christ (1400 Lehigh Station Road, Henrietta NY 14467). Following the service, all are welcome to join family and friends for a reception in the church’s Fellowship Hall. This will be a time to share stories, comfort one another, and celebrate Dave’s wonderful life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to the Henrietta United Church of Christ (Donate Online (Henrietta UCC)) and the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus (Donate Online (GVOC)).