Dr. David Charles Ossenkop, 88, Norfolk

NORFOLK - Dr. David Charles Ossenkop, 88, of Norfolk, NY, died of natural causes on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.

David was born in Pasadena, CA on January 2, 1937 to Rachel (Wammack) Ossenkop and Herman Ossenkop. David always showed an interest in higher education, even as a child. At the age of two he escaped from his playpen and walked a half block to CalTech in his birthday suit.

He completed his BA in German Literature at Drew University before completing Masters degrees in German Literature and Library Science at Columbia University. One of his proudest moments in University was answering the shared dormitory phone, “Hello, city morgue.”

David then completed his PhD in Musicology at Columbia University before taking a position at SUNY Potsdam as the head librarian of the Crane School of Music from 1970-1999. He proudly published his dissertation, “The Earliest Settings of German Ballads for Voice and Clavier” (1968) and the book, Hugo Wolf: A Guide to Research (1988).

Well into his twilight years, he continued to provide reviews for Choice Magazine. With all of these successes, David found his greatest accomplishments to be with his family and his church.

David was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 45 years, Janice Ossenkop, his three children, Jennifer (Benjamin) Reed, Peter (Gwendolyn) Ossenkop, and Deanna (Jenelle) Saliba; his grandchildren Joshua (Emily) Reed, Matthew Reed, Ian Ossenkop, and Patrick Ossenkop; and his great-granddaughter Liliana Reed-Fecketter.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 2 PM to 5 PM at Donaldson-Seymour Funeral Home, Potsdam, NY. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, Norwood, NY starting at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please turn to a loved one and say, “Ribbit.” Why? Because it rhymes with “Tibbitt,” and the simple things in life create joy.

Friends are encouraged to share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonseymour.com.

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