David G. Bakerian

David G. Bakerian, age 68, of Hockessin, Delaware, passed away on Friday, October 5. 2018.

Born in Troy, New York, David was the only child of the late Mary Susan Clancy and the late George Bakerian. A graduate of LaSalle Institute, he went on to receive an associate’s degree from Hudson Valley Community College, a bachelor’s degree from Siena College and a master’s degree from the University of West Florida. He also received his post-graduate certificate in Higher Education Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.

David started his career as faculty in the State University System of New York and then served as the assistant academic dean and director of continuing education at Wesley College. In 1985, he was named executive director of the Delaware Chapter of the American Institute of Banking.

For more than 22 years, David dedicated his career to leading and growing the banking industry in Delaware as the executive vice president and treasurer and then the president and CEO of the Delaware Bankers Association (DBA). As president, he worked to ensure a significant part of the American banking industry maintained its home in the First State and continued to thrive as one of Delaware’s largest employers. David worked with three Governors and testified before and advised 11 separate Delaware General Assemblies.

David was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved to garden, travel and cook for his family and friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of seven years, Pamela J. Bakerian; his children Catherine Kempista (Jeff), Nicholas (fiancée Kelly Hofmann), and Alexandra (fiancée Daniel Zwiren); and his three grandchildren Adam, Madeline, and Jack Kempista. He was predeceased by his wife of 26 years, Nancy Weaver Bakerian.

A visitation will be held on Friday, October 12 from 3-7 p.m. at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Rd., Pike Creek. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 13 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary of the Assumption Church, 7200 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the State Police Family Assistance and Support for Troopers,(SPFAST), P.O. Box 43, Sea Girt, NJ 08750 or to the DeGregorio Family Foundation, P.O. Box 236, Pleasantville, NY 10570.

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