David James Lingyak
10/10/1956---08/20/1978
08/20/1978---08/31/2025

The amazing life of David James Lingyak. At the age of 68 David was freed from his wheelchair and is walking again in heaven. Born on 10/10/1956 to James and Dorothy Jean Lingyak of Camillus, NY. He graduated from West Genesee Senior High School Class of 74 and Cayuga County Community College Class of 76. He was Department Manager of the Manager of the Men's and Shoe Departments at J.C. Penny in Camillus until August of 1978.

His world turned upside down and took on a new meaning on August 20, 1978. David had a swimming accident on Oneida Lake that left him a Quadriplegic. Don't cry, he would say a "whole new life is out there" and absolutely took advantage of it. After many months of rehabilitation in Boston, MA, David returned to Camillus and learned what true honest friendship and community meant. When David came home there were banners across the road and many true childhood friends were standing in the driveway. Waiting with a coat in one hand and a beer in the other. They said, "David you are going out for a beer" "with or without" a coat. He was wheeled over to the Green Gate Inn and from that day forward David was never a handicap person. After a short period of adjustment at home, David rolled down to Ithaca, NY and graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Labor Relations in 1983. Even though he just missed graduating Summa Cum Laude, he was very proud of this achievement (remember he could not write any notes). After graduating he built a house in the Village of Camillus and started doing his artwork. Wheeled up to an easel with a pencil or paint brush in mouth David created beautiful artwork. If an object was able to be anchored to his easel he would draw/paint on it. Attending the wedding of a very good friend in Vermont he met his wife, Linda Sue. They were soon married, and both started greeting a card business D & L Designs. Due to harsh northern winters David and Linda moved to Greenwood, SC. They traveled and conquered the world together, 22 cruises, 25+ countries and many trips up and down the Eastern and Southern shoreline including Hawaii. With David's personality and smile, he soon made dear friends in the Greenwood area and taught them what true friendship means. He loved being around them. He was the guy you felt comfortable around, cool to hang around with, and extremely knowledgeable on many, many subjects. He was the guy you wanted on your trivia team. He tutored many young people in schoolwork; to just relax and be sociable, he was kind to everyone always up for a conversation and loved to make you laugh, he taught us all numerous life lessons. You learned fast, don't just think about "yourself". You wanted a snack, drink, etc., you always got two. One for him and one for you that was the way of life around David. He would never say no to fresh seafood (oysters were his favorite) and a cold beer. If you listened to him and did exactly what he said, he could have you open an oyster on your first try. David was tied down to a chair for 47 years with many hospital visits and operations. BUT never complained about being a quad. The true meaning of spirt and true grit, never did he look back over his shoulder and complain about his accident, the chair was just an extension of his body. His last 38 years were truly amazing, and it is all due to one person, his wife of 38 years, Linda Sue. She is an amazing, outstanding saint, who God will save a special place just for Linda. If you see Linda, please hug her and make her smile. Our family would never have been able to enjoy David this long if it was not for her. From the Lingyak Family, we truly appreciate and love everything you did for our brother/uncle.


David was preceded in death by his Mother Dorothy Jean Lingyak in 2004 and his Father, James Lingyak in 2018. David is survived by his loving wife Linda, his sister Donna (Lingyak) Lewis of Camillus, his brother Robert (Cindy) Lingyak of Camillus and nieces and nephews Justin, David, Jessica, Jaclyn, Gretchen and Mark.

In lieu of flowers please fulfill Davids biggest dream and hobby. If you saw or talked to David in the last few years you knew he was on You Tube posting short videos. David would ask everyone to please subscribe to his channel. It was part of his life and hobby.

Please go to YouTube and subscribe to his channel, @santaclam. He had 135 subscribers when he left us. On his last day here with us, in the ICU room, he made a nurse subscribe communicating with eye gestures. Let him look down and say "WOW" as we did at him for 47 yrs. "WOW". Subscribe for David. ( https://m.youtube.com/@santaclam )

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Francisco Onato-Vargas officiating.