David R. Bright
December 26 1943 ~ December 20 2021
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BRIGHT, David Russell Stephen,
Age 77, of Elmira, NY passed away on Monday, December 20, 2021, at the Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA. David was a beloved Father, Grandfather, Spouse, Brother, Uncle, Great Uncle, friend, and role model, who will be dearly missed. Son of the late Charles and Bernice (Davidson) Bright, David was born in Elmira on December 26, 1943, at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. As a child, David attended Elmira’s Saint Peter and Paul Elementary School, and later graduated from Elmira Free Academy (June, 1961). During his service in the US Army, David served as a medic at Fort Polk, La, and other locations. This spirit of service, exemplified by David’s time as an army medic, found expression in David’s subsequent pursuits. Working in Physical Therapy in the late 60’s at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where David would meet his wife, Bonnie; and in the early 70’s, prior to his tenure at the Elmira Psychiatric Center, his work in Respiratory therapy at Arnot Ogden Memorial Hospital.To that end, voracious creativity and self-directed diligence took David from Elmira College to Hunter College, where his interest in Dance Movement Therapy found resonance in such institutions as The Dance Notation Bureau. Always the humblest person in the room, through his intuitively therapeutic approach to kinesthetic disciplines, David was a pioneer in the field of Dance Movement Therapy. As a Recreational Therapist, David learned and developed innovative and experimental movement-based therapeutic techniques. This work featured prominently in David’s tenure at the Elmira Psychiatric Center, where differently-abled populations benefited greatly from David’s talent and generosity. And David continued to give generously throughout his retirement years, including being named volunteer of the year while serving for the Red Cross Disaster Team, and providing tireless service to the Southern Tier Aids Program.
To know David was to take refuge within his truly unconditional love, to bask in his attentiveness and to benefit from his thoughtful, inquisitive care. David’s sense of boundless perseverance and possibility will remain a lifelong inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
To say that David was a pillar of his community, as those who know and love him will attest, is an understatement. David carried home within him, and worked throughout his life to bring home to those in need, and to help every person feel more at home in themselves. David was a Communicant at Grace Episcopal Church, Elmira. And his faith evolved and sustained him throughout his life, synthesizing Christian and Buddhist beliefs and practices. David’s sense of service was all encompassing, unending and radiant.
David is survived by his husband, Theron Bennett of Elmira; son, Jeremy (Kim) Bright of Falls Church, VA; daughter, Alycia Bright (James) Holland of Woodstock, CT; mother of his children, Bonnie Johnson of Clermont, FL; his grandson, Joshua Bright; brother Charles TH (Joni) Bright; sister Peggy (Robert) Bright-Berhannan; sister-in-law Patty (Dale) McPherson and Teresa Vital; along with a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. David was predeceased by his mother, Bernice Davidson Bright, his father, Charles Thornton Bright, and brother Paul Bright.
Family and friends are invited to attend an hour of calling from 4pm to 5 pm on Monday, December 27, 2021 at the James D. Barrett Funeral Home. A memorial service for David will follow at 5pm with Apostle Jacqueline Turner Smallwood (We R Commissioned Ministry) officiating.
