David J. Okerblom

David Joseph Okerblom

March 30, 1930 – August 21, 2020


David Joseph Okerblom was born in Bloomsbury, New Jersey to Victor Nester Okerblom and Heta Routsalainen. He was the youngest of five brothers and lost both his parents at a very early age. David had a keen intellect, was advanced twice during his school years and graduated high school at the age of 16. Though he had opportunity to pursue further education, David much preferred working with his hands and in the outdoors. He had a longtime career in the gardening/nursery business, managing several stores and becoming manager of nursery growing operations and logistics.

At the young age of 18, David married the love of his life, Frances Theresa Aprile and together they had three children, in whom he instilled a strong work ethic along with love and devotion to family. Though he worked very long hours, David always made time for his children, and later grandchildren, taking them ice skating, sledding, target shooting, boating and nature hiking. Later in life, David was lovingly devoted to caring for Frances during the last years of their 44 year marriage.

David was later blessed with a new love, Agnes Filipski, for 18 years and together they enjoyed traveling, gardening, hiking and cooking. He was especially happy to have finally visited Finland, the homeland of his parents.

He was a member of the East Northport Senior Softball League, former president of the Town of Huntington Fishing Club and the New Horizons Senior Citizens Club of Huntington.

David was known and loved for his quick wit and competitive nature. He was a wealth of knowledge and his expertise seemed to know no bounds. The eternal optimist, ever resourceful, never complaining about difficult circumstances with which he was faced throughout his life. His favored saying, “It's good enough!” will be affectionately remembered and repeated. He leaves behind a legacy of a life well-lived. David will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

David was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Aina Spong Okerblom; wife, Frances T. Okerblom and Agnes Filipski; brothers, T. Bill, Victor, Samuel (WW II), and Paul.

David is survived by his beloved children, Linda Gleason, David J. Okerblom, Jr., and his wife Donna, and Lisa Brown and her husband David and Sue Filipski and her wife Michal; loving grandchildren, Shannon Corey, Michelle Argast, Christopher Sommerlad and his wife Vanessa, Jason Okerblom and his wife Mingyung, and Daniel Lerman and his wife Brooke; cherished great-grandchildren, Jayden, Jacob, Justin, Justin F., Hope, Kayla, Gianna, and Aspen. Also surviving are many extended relatives, longtime friends, and special caregivers.

In lieu of flowers for David, please plant something for yourself in his memory, http://shop.alivingtribute.org.