David L. Vinopal

PAUL SMITHS - David L. Vinopal, 65, of St. Regis Street, Bloomingdale, passed away Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008 at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake.

He was born in Titusville, Pa. on Nov. 12, 1942, the son of Edward and Josephine (Carey) Vinopal.

Growing up, David found his life-long passion for music in the rolling hills of the Allegheny Mountains. He spent most of his childhood in Titusville before relocating to Big Rapids, Mich.

He is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University, the University of Connecticut and London University. After completing his education, he taught at Northeast University, Wentworth Institute of Technology and Ferris State University. For the last 20 years, he had been teaching technical writing and photography at Paul Smith's College.

David's two passions in life were family and music. He was a devoted father of three sons: David, Jan and Edward, whom he loved dearly. The Adirondack Mountains gave David and his three sons endless activities; a time in his life that he cherished.

Music meant a great deal to David. He was a co-author of "Gibson's Fabulous Flat-Top Guitars." He was the editor and executive director of Guitarmaker magazine and also contributed to the All-Music Guide. He also wrote several columns as a music critic. David filled his home with instruments, keeping to his motto, "only a Gibson is good enough."

David was also an avid photographer, animal lover and advocate for animal rights. Pets were part of the family, his favorite being Dottie Vinopal, the family dog.

For the past two-and-a-half years, David has been with his partner, Kameliia Petrova. During this time, he was always on the go - traveling and enjoying life. To him and his sons, this was the happiest period of his life.

David is survived by three sons: David E. Vinopal, Jan Vinopal and Edward Vinopal, all of Bloomingdale; one brother, Robert Vinopal of Mansfield Center, Conn.; and one sister, Sarah Sturges of Pittsfield Mass. A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24 on the campus of Paul Smith's College. The Clark Funeral Home in Lake Placid is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that those wishing may make donations in David's memory to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society, 255 George Lapan Memorial Highway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983.