Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
David R. Medler, 64, of Auburn passed away peacefully on April 6, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, NY. Born in Auburn, NY on May 2, 1961, David was the son of Joan Jordan Maltese and the late Frank Medler.
He was employed many years with the Auburn United Methodist Church in maintenance. David was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. He also worked at the Brewerton and Fulton Speedways on Friday and Saturday nights for several years. David could be found in the tower watching and taking notes on the races. He used this information to write his article in the Gater Racing News and track websites. Dirt racing was a passion for him, and he truly enjoyed being there to see all the action.
David was a sports enthusiast and fan of almost every sport, with the NY Jets being his favorite. He also has an extensive collection of football helmets, ranging from college to the NFL. David met so many great people and made many friends over the years. He had a personality that drew people in, always being greeted with a big smile and kind words. He will be missed tremendously by all who knew and loved him.
David is survived by his loving partner of 22 years, Janice Smith; his daughters, Erica (Andrew) Cammer and Sarah Medler; his mother, Joan Maltese and his grandchildren, Liam and Mitchel.
Per David's wishes, there will be no services.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (T2T.org) or the Northeast Dirt Modified Museum and Hall of Fame, PO Box 416, Weedsport, NY 13166.
Arrangements are with White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., Auburn.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David R. Medler, please visit our floral store.