Obituary of David L. Hawkins

David L Hawkins of Wolf Lake, Wurtsboro, NY and formerly of Warwick, N.Y. David L. Hawkins a longtime real estate broker/developer and a lifelong resident of the area, died on May 15, 2017 at Orange Regional Medical Center. He was 74. The son of the late James and Mabel Fox Hawkins, he was born on August 9, 1942 in Middletown, New York. Dave was a graduate of Middletown High School and SUNY New Paltz, earning a Master's Degree in 1967. He started his professional career teaching Art in the Minisink Valley School district and later the Warwick Valley School District, before pursuing a career in Real Estate. He was an Instructor of Real Estate, teaching several classes at SUNY Orange and the Orange County Board of Realtors. He was the founder/owner of D.L. Hawkins & Associates, Inc. in 1972, known for his "Buy Land" slogan, signs and license plate. In 1979, he was awarded "Realtor of the Year" by the Orange County Board of Realtors. He was an active member and founder of the Commercial and Investment Division of the NYS Association of Realtors serving as President in 1979 and 1987. He also served as President of the Orange County Association of Realtors in 1999. He was co-founder and owner of Real Estate Solutions with longtime friend and colleague, R. J. Smith, from 2000-2015. Dave was one of the first active members in the Hudson Valley Chapter of the New York State Commercial Association of Realtors, and was honored with the NYSCAR Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 Dealmaker Awards event. Dave was a Charter member and past president of the Warwick Valley Rotary Club and a longtime member of the Middletown Rotary Club. He was a Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International. He was also a founding contributor and board member of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties. Dave was a member of the Jimmy Sturr Band, having played the accordion for many years. He was a longtime member of the Barbers Eddy Hunting and Fishing club. Dave was a past youth basketball and baseball coach in Warwick, NY. Dave had a great passion for the game of tennis. As a longtime member of the Orange Hollow Racquet and Fitness Club in Goshen NY, he was a player and captain of several USTA league teams, playing at the National level four times. He spent his last ten years living on Wolf Lake with his beloved wife, where he loved fishing, bird watching and enjoyed the serene beauty of the lake. Survivors include his wife Margaret Pennings Hawkins at home. His children David L. Hawkins Jr. and his wife Michelle of Vacaville, CA., James Hawkins and his wife Denise of Goshen, Susan Hawkins of Stamford, CT., Jason McGovern and his wife Tracy of Warwick. His grandchildren Joshua, Jordynn, Brady, Ryan, Caitlin, Jimmy, Erik, Charles, Corinne, Madison, Ian, Paige and Cade. His great-granddaughter Adaline. His sister Barbara Higgins and her husband David of Wanasink Lake. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the entire ORMC Medical ICU staff for their compassion, care and support. A Memorial Service and Celebration of David's life will be held on Sunday June 11, 2017 at 12pm in the Mulder Chapel located at the Warwick Conference Center, 62 Warwick Center Rd, Warwick, NY. In Lieu of Flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Middletown Rotary Club. Arrangements by Ralston-Lippincott-Hasbrouck-Ingrassia Funeral Home, Inc. 343-6023 or www.ocfuneralhomes.com.