David Gordon McRae

David Gordon McRae of Utica, formerly of Wakefield, MA, passed away peacefully on Feb. 19, 2024.  

Born in Winchester, MA in 1950, he was the son of the late Gordon J. and Joan L. McRae.  David was predeceased by his parents and his brother Robert McRae.  Survivors include his brother Andrew McRae, his former wife the Reverend Paula Hart, his sister-in-law Kristin McRae, his nieces Audrey McRae and Nicole (David) Beers. two aunts and many cousins.

David grew up in Wakefield, and was a member of the Wakefield Memorial High School Class of 1968.  He was very active in the music department. A talented musician throughout his life, David played trumpet in various musical groups including his high school marching band and orchestra.  He was selected to perform in the inaugural season of the well-known Greater Bostonians group of high school musicians.  He was also a member of a community band that marched in the 1976 Bicentennial Parade in Philadelphia attended by President Ford.  David attended Lowell State College, majoring in music.  He worked for two music companies in Boston, Wurlitzer and Carl Fischer.  David also managed several local bands during this time.  He was co-director of the choir of St. Anthony's Church in Providence, RI.

In 1986, David moved to upstate New York and remained active in church music, playing trumpet and arranging choral music and hymns. David became a certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church, and was a member of the New Hartford UMC.

When David was a child, his beloved father took him to a Red Sox game where he saw Ted Williams play. Later, David loved nothing more than taking his younger brothers, cousins, and friends to home games of both the Red Sox and the Celtics.  David had a kind, outgoing personality.

A memorial service for David will be held in Massachusetts in the spring.  A Mass for the repose of David's soul will be celebrated on Mar. 12 at 12:10 pm at Historic Old St. John's Church in Utica.  There are no calling hours.

Donations in memory of David may be made to the Sandwich Ministry of Historic Old St. John's Church, 240 Bleecker St., Utica, NY 13501.   Arrangements for cremation are under the direction and care of the locally/family owned Mohawk Valley Funerals and Cremations, 7507 State Route 5, between Little Falls and St. Johnsville, 315-508-5131.