Obituary of David J. Obermeyer

“Obie” David James Obermeyer, 68, Potsdam, NY Owner, OLD VOLKS AT HOME, and Toy Collector POTSDAM – David “Obie” Obermeyer 7/12/1952-1/18/2021.  Beloved brother, uncle, son, godfather, friend.  We imagine him being greeted in Heaven by both dear friends and loving family already there, including his parents (Harold and Shirley Obermeyer), grandparents, uncles and aunts, all of whom rejoiced at his arrival.     His two sisters, Ginger Hannah (Altamont, NY) and Sandy Stryker (Rochester, NY)  thank Obie and love him dearly for being the “Best Big Brother” ever.  They believe his love and guidance will continue in their lives.  He was also loved by his brothers-in-law Will Hannah and Dick Stryker; four nieces whom he adored:  Gina, Amanda, Abby and Nolan; two great-nephews:  Kevin and Nicholas; several cousins, and many dear friends.   The family invites you to a celebration of Obie’s life at 2:00-? on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the outdoor pavilion behind Brasher Falls Tri-Town Recreation Center, 913 – 1516 State Highway 11C, Brasher Falls, NY 13613. We would love to meet you, and have you share any stories, pictures or anecdotes you have about Obie.   Obie was born in Buffalo, NY, graduated from Cheektowaga Central H.S. in 1970 and earned an AAS Degree in Forestry & Surveying from Paul Smith’s College. He remained a well-rounded reader and life-long learner.  He made the North Country his home and eventually settled in Potsdam. There he began OLD VOLKS AT HOME, a Volkswagen repair, restoration & sales business he owned and operated for 20 years. A self-taught master mechanic, Obie was well known and respected locally and far away for fixing any old Volks and frequently diagnosed car problems over the phone.  His restoration work won awards at local car shows. Obie loved toys and was an avid and knowledgeable collector, with diverse interests from early tin trucks, trains, slot cars, Matchbox, and Hot Wheels, to Fisher Price Little People and newer.  He loved talking about them and seeing someone’s joy in having a toy they had as a child. Obie also collected antiques, tools, clothing, books, furniture, and household goods and sold them along with toys at flea markets, toy shows, and Classy Collectibles in Potsdam.  The remainder of his collection has been acquired by John Gardner, owner of Massena Marketplace. Obie was also skilled working with people of all ages and abilities. He worked with a crew of independent carpenters in commercial remodeling, design and installation on several projects in the North Country.  Obie mentored a team of high school students in the construction of a house as a Teaching Assistant-Building Trades at BOCES Seaway Tech.  He handled customer service and dispatched AAA emergency road calls for the former Martin’s Maple Street Service Station.    Obie made people feel like they mattered, and enjoyed making them laugh. He was our go-to guy with the old-school know-how, and we called on him often for guidance.  He was a patient and knowledgeable teacher and mentor to all. He modeled his gifts of wonder and being observant, and shared his listening ear and expert advice.   Obie loved all animals, owning several dogs and cats; and he carried dog bones and cat treats in his pocket to share. Animals in the woods – porcupine, racoon, deer, turtles, turkey - trusted him. Obie’s legacy in life is defined by thoughtfulness, generosity, a positive attitude, sense of humor and friendship. He was always saying, “Have I told you lately what a good person you are and how much I love and appreciate you?”  We will always love and appreciate you, Obie. The family thanks St. Peter’s Hospital, Hospice and Palliative Care staff for their compassionate care of Obie. Please share condolences and photos online at www.reillyandson.com Instead of donations or flowers, we think Obie would want you to listen lovingly to people, show them you appreciate them, and be patient with yourself and others.