David B. Hastings

North Greenbush, NY On September 10, 2023, after a protracted battle with pancreatic cancer fought with great courage and dignity, David B. Hastings, 45, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. David was born in Troy, NY, on September 17, 1977. A graduate of Shaker High School in Latham, NY, David went on to graduate from Purchase College earning a BFA in Filmmaking, then moved NYC and secured an entry-level position at Nice Shoes that eventually led to work as an Assistant Editor at Post Works. As an online editor there, he worked with such renowned filmmakers as Jonathan Demme, The Sadfe Brothers, and Greg Mottola. From there, he continued his career in Washington DC, where he spent a decade working as an Editor for National Geographic, most notably on the hit television series “The Incredible Dr. Pol,” while at the same time finding work as a commissioned animator. Those that knew David well would describe him as an incredibly generous and kind person who would do anything for his family and close friends. David loved all animals, especially his dogs, Yukon and Jake. Eternally young at heart, he was a natural entertainer who had the ability to brighten every room with laughter. In even the most difficult of personal circumstances, he handled life’s challenges with a unshakable and infectious sense of humor. More than anyplace else, he loved the ocean, especially the Outer Banks of NC, where he lived briefly to pursue other interests, including songwriting. He is survived by his loving mother, Judith Assini Hastings, of Rensselaer; his identical twin brother and best friend, Stephen Hastings, of Schenectady; his devoted sister, Allison (David) Fondacaro, of Schenectady; and David’s nephews, Sam and Ben Fondacaro. David was also the nephew of Patricia Jacobson, of Rotterdam; and William (Joanne) Assini, of London, Ontario. He is also survived by cousins: Katherine Jacobson, of Kansas City, MO; Erik (Candace) Jacobson, of Rockville Center, NY; Dr. Joseph (Leslie) Assini, of Denver, CO; Emily Assini, of London, Ontario; and Jane (Ian) Miersch, of Ancaster, Ontario. David is also survived by his father, Donald Hastings, of Loudonville; and his paternal uncle, Prentiss Hastings, of Troy. Friends and family are respectfully invited to attend the wake on Thursday, September 14, to be held at St. Pius X Church in Loudonville, NY, with calling hours from 4-7 PM. The funeral mass will be held in the same location on Friday, September 15, at 10 AM, interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Waterford. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David’s memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org) or to the animal rescue league, ASPCA (aspca.org).

David B. Hastings

September 17, 1977 - September 10, 2023