David J. Backus, 74, of Oneida River Road, Pennellville, NY, passed away

suddenly at home on Tuesday May 19, 2015. Born in Syracuse, NY to his

late parents, Edward and Thelma Backus in 1940. David was in the US Navy

on board the USS Essex. After the military service he was an auto mechanic

for Bill Rapp Pontiac and Dave Ball Chevrolet. He was a member of the

Teamsters Local 317 Union, and was a truck driver for Santaro Trucking Co.

and later hauled double trailers for St. Johnsbury Trucking Co. until he retired.


David owned and drove a Ford Modified Racecar at Brewerton, Fulton,

Weedsport, Rolling Wheels, and LaFargeville Speedways in the 1970s

He enjoyed racing, motorcycling, boating, fishing; his family, his dogs.


David was preceeded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Suzanne Backus;

his brother Leeland Backus, and just recently his brother Donald Backus on

May 20.


Surviving are two sons, Eric (Shelley) Backus of Phoenix, NY, and Aron

(Michelle) Backus of Fulton; tow daughters, BethAnn Whelan of Pennellville,

and Pamela (Gary) Pittman of Baldwinsville; one brother, George (Bonnie)

Backus of Bridgeport; sister-in-law, Patricia Backus of Kirkville, and sister-in-law

Bess Backus; 18 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; aunts, uncles; nieces,

nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours are on Tuesday May 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Allanson-Glanville

-Tappan Funeral Home, 431 Main St., Phoenix, NY, followed by a 7 p.m.

funeral service in the funeral home, with the Rev. Millbyer officiating,

with US Navy honors included.

Contributions in David’s memory to: V. A. Medical Center, 800 Irving Ave.,

Syracuse, NY 13210.