May 9, 1950 – February 12, 2026
David Harrison Pearlman passed away on February 12, 2026,
following a sudden cardiac event. He grew up in Watertown, NY and attended
Watertown High School and Deerfield Academy (1968). He was a proud alumnus of
Colgate University (1972), and he earned master’s degrees from Iona College and
Pace University. He studied briefly at Columbia University Teacher’s College
before beginning a distinguished career in education.
David served as a teacher, dean, and principal at Rye Neck
High School, Greenwich High School, and Cooperstown Central School. While
living near NYC, he met friends who became family and volunteered as Finish
Line Director of the NYC Marathon for over a decade. He was deeply dedicated to
public service throughout his life, volunteering with the American Red Cross in
Louisiana following Hurricane Katrina, serving as a longtime coach and board
member of Cooperstown Youth Baseball, and as a board member of the Lions Club
of Cooperstown, where he also advised the Cooperstown Leo Club.
David was passionate about politics, social justice, and
equality. Active in Civil Rights protests as a young man, he remained committed
throughout his life to fairness, inclusion, and helping others — values rooted
in his Jewish upbringing. He also cared deeply about mental health, seeing the
challenges many of his students faced and having faced his own struggles,
working throughout his life toward growth, resilience, and understanding.
He sought connection wherever he went, often using humor and
love of sports as a bridge to others. Above all, he was a devoted husband,
father, grandfather, and fiercely loyal friend, and he cherished his dog,
Dodger.
He was immensely proud of and supportive of his family
including his beloved wife, Nancy Potter; son, Joshua Potter (“J.P.”) Pearlman
(Greis); daughter, Molly Pearlman Knighton (Aaron); and granddaughter, Sarah
Gomez Pearlman (daughter of J.P. and Greis). He is also survived by
father-in-law, Reverend Edwin Potter (the late Lee Eaton Potter); his sisters,
Ronni Millman (the late Hank Millman) and Lynn Rogan (Jack); his
sisters-in-law, Rebecca Potter (Cyrus), Karen Potter (John), and Valerie Potter
(Noah); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother, Bess Pearlman; father,
Bernard Pearlman; stepmother, Marion Brisk Pearlman; his brother, William Brisk
(Maria), and his dear friend, Jim Sims-West.
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026,
at Connell, Dow & Deysenroth Funeral Home in Cooperstown, NY from 1:00-3:00pm.
Per his wishes, no other services will be held. Come as you are — David liked casual
and colorful clothes, so feel free to wear them, especially a baseball cap.
