Necrology

David MacKellar Ostrom II '59

Jun. 6, 1937-Jul. 22, 2018

David MacKellar Ostrom II ’59, a buyer in the food industry of Peabody, Mass., was born in Bronxville, N.Y., on June 6, 1937, a son of the former Edith Waje and John Ostrom. He was raised and educated in Chappaqua, N.Y., graduating from Horace Greeley High School.

On the Hill, Ostrom majored in geology. He lent his athletic talents to the track and field team, excelling in the high hurdles and high jump, and joined the Spanish Club, Block “H” Club, and Emerson Literary Society.

Ostrom’s career in the food distribution business began one week after his Hamilton graduation. He stayed with S.S. Pierce Co. for four decades as it grew from a single owner operating in western Massachusetts to a corporate-owned national company with many branches. Throughout the years, he worked in five of those branches, in areas ranging from sales to purchasing to credit and operations.

Ostrom lived in Clifton Park, N.Y., and Peabody for most of his life, and for the last eight years resided at the Brooksby Village in Peabody, where he was active in its community, according to a published obituary. He was a member of the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church in Clifton Park and the Holy Trinity United Methodist Church in Danvers, Mass. He was also an active outdoorsman serving as a ski patrolman who enjoyed hiking the Appalachian Trail and the Long Trail, and going camping and canoeing.

Reflecting on the impact of the College on his life, Ostrom noted in his 50th reunion yearbook, “The public speaking courses I took are the ones I have used most over the years. Being able to speak to others and write concisely (that perfect theme) are so basic to all aspects of life.”

David M. Ostrom II died on July 22, 2018, at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, the former Janice Montgomery, three daughters, one son, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

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