Remembering
David Walter Hardy
December 27, 1948 - July 16, 2025
Obituary
David Walter Hardy of Cold Spring, New York, passed away on July 16, 2025 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers, Massachusetts, following a heroic eight-year struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was surrounded by the love of his wife, sons and close friends in his final days. He was 76 years old.​
PHOTOS
Donating in David's Memory
David was a man of many interests, passions and causes he felt strongly about. If you would like to donate in David's memory please take a look at the charities and non-profit organizations listed below.
Charities
Wolk Center for Memory Health
Boston, MA
The Deanna and Sidney Wolk Center for Memory Health at Hebrew SeniorLife provides comprehensive outpatient care related to brain health, cognitive and behavioral problems, and memory loss, whether due to Alzheimer’s disease, other dementias, or other neurological or psychiatric conditions.
Kaplan Family Hospice House (Care Dimensions)
Danvers, MA
Kaplan House is a warm, homelike setting where patients receive hospital-level medical care, comfort and support. Private suites overlook landscaped gardens and comfortable common areas include a welcoming kitchen, family rooms, children’s play areas, a chapel and library. Friends and family are welcome any time.
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater
Beacon, NY
Hudson River Sloop Clearwater is a member-supported, non-profit organization whose mission is to protect the Hudson River by inspiring lifelong stewardship of the river and its tributaries with innovative advocacy through education programs.
Piers Park Sailing Center
East Boston, MA
PPSC provides inclusive and accessible recreational, educational, and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and identities. PPSC empowers participants to become stewards of a stronger community, advocates for a healthy Boston Harbor, and leaders of individual and family wellness.
Mystic Seaport Museum
Mystic, CT
Since its founding in 1929, Mystic Seaport Museum has grown to become the nation’s leading maritime museum. It a world-class collection of more than 2 million historic objects, watercraft, documents, photographs, ships plans, and the basis for a superior visitor experience, innovative educational programs, and much more.
Hudson Highlands Land Trust
Hudson Highlands, NY
Hudson Highlands Land Trust is a community-based, nonprofit land conservation organization that protects and preserves the natural resources and scenic beauty of the Hudson Highlands region of New York State, where the Appalachian Mountains cross the Hudson River.
Condolences
If you would like to leave a message for David's family please use the comment box below.
Dear Stephanie, Forrest & Spencer- David was such a swell guy...I have so many memories- the arugula and hot pepper patch he planted at our house in Saugerties - Making it livable before Forrest was scheduled to appear. Tossing rocks from the porch to watch the bats swoop. I can hear his southern twang as I write. I see him in his electric blue jumpsuit. I see him moving the exhibits he made and the costume rack after every show of Cold Harbor. I see him frenetically scooping up the film he made, when the take-up reel stopped taking-up during a performance of Dead End Kids. The beautiful wooden pulley he gifted me is hanging in the doorway...I'll always cherish having been one of the folks who got to carry the Isobel from the basement on Christopher St out into the world. So many wonder-filled drunken nights with our pal Jack Daniels. David, always interesting and interested, always a smile... such a terrible loss. Somehow he managed to remain the essential David Hardy through most of his battle with Alzheimer's. I know he will be terribly missed - I will miss him as well...
Sending love and sincere condolences,
joe-
David was very lovely, kind and a good man. I am happy to know him. Rest in peace my dear friend, give a big hug to a handsome young man.
Sending love , hugs and prayers to you Stephanie and your family.
Liliya
So sorry to hear the news, Stephanie! David was a delight. I will miss seeing him on my visits to Cold Spring. Sending you and your family much love. Zoe
Dear Stephanie, Forrest, & Spencer,
We are truly sorry for your incredible loss. David was genuinely the most gentle, kind, loving, and compassionate person that touched our lives throughout the years with such warmth and kindness. Through boat building, boat trips on the river, get togethers, and mentor to Stefan all along that will stay in our hearts forever.
So many great memories we will always cherish.
We send our love and support.
Love,
Felix, Liz, Stefan, & Isabel
Dear Stephanie, Forrest and Spencer,
During this time of profound sorrow, we want you to know that you're not alone. David's memory will forever live on in your hearts, and in the cherished moments you all shared. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathies, Cheryl, John and family
My heart and thoughts are with you. Hoping the future holds a visit.
Dear Stephanie,
Susan let me know that David had passed this morning and I feel for you and cannot imagine what that must be like for youÂ
So many changes in such a short time.
Wishing you peace and all the support you need at this time.
There’s ever any thing I can do, just reach out.
Much love and affection,
Barbara
Dear Stephanie,
I just learned from Amy that David died today, and am so so sorry. I can only imagine how heartbreaking it all is, and has been, for you. Please know that I am thinking of you and your sons with much love. I hope in the midst of your grief, which I’m guessing has been a grief in pieces over several years, you are able to also feel some level of relief.
Take good care.
Love, Karen (Friedman)
Dear Stephanie, Forrest and Spencer,
My heart aches for you all. I know how dearly you adored David, who was admittedly among the most adorable people of all time, and how this loss must feel.Â
Please let us know about any updates and know how we hold you in our hearts.Â
Love,Â
Grace and Tim
Oh Stephanie, darling.  I'm so very sorry to hear this.  I've been talking about him recently to friends.  My heart bleeds for you all. Poor David. Love and hugs to you all.Â
You're an absolute hero and champion. If I can do anything from here, let me know.Â
M xxxx