Beloved Husband, Father, and Pop-Pop
David C. Dockey, 74, of Belfast, New York, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, following a short illness.
Born on August 3, 1951, in Little Falls, New York, he was the son of William R. and Martha A. (Savary) Dockey. On July 9, 1977, at Our Lady of Angels Church, he married the former Jo Kathleen Vossler, who survives.
David was a graduate of St. Johnsville High School and graduated from SUNY Fredonia with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He subsequently earned his Master’s degree in Music Education from St. Bonaventure University.
David began working for the Cuba Central School (now Cuba-Rushford Central School) in the music department and retired after 33 years in education. During his teaching career, he started the Pop Group which still exists today. After the merger, he wrote the lyrics to the new alma mater, and during the building of the new school, he advocated to make sure the new auditorium had 500 seats, rather than 300, so it could bring the communities together.
For many years he was a member of The Rogues Rock Band, playing keyboard and singing vocals, writing original songs and playing covers. Working with Ken Kauffman, who was the organist for the Buffalo Sabres, he composed radio jingles, most notably for Pizza Hut, M&T Quick Bank, and others in Western New York, which could be heard on local radio stations.
David attended Grace Congregation Church and later Our Lady of the Angels Church, where he sang in the choir. As a member of the Wellsville Lions Club, he was their musical director for numerous years and also helped to raise money for the Cuba Library Show. In addition, David provided the music for the Cuba Memorial Hospital’s Showtime productions. He always remarked how his musical talents were heavily influenced by Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys and was amazed at the unique harmonies he came up with.
At home, he was a loving husband, father, and Pop Pop who enjoyed puttering in his barn or landscaping. He was an avid New York Yankees fan, enjoyed the television shows The Three Stooges, Honeymooners, Star Trek, Twilight Zone, the Outer limits, or most anything Sci-Fi.
In addition to his wife Jo, he is survived by a son Christopher (Rylee) Dockey of Edenton, NC.; his grandchildren Everly Jo, Annalynn Rae, and Oliver David.
He was predeceased by his parents and a sister Debbie Theurer.
A Celebration of Life will be held later this year and details will be announced.
Rest easy our dear loved one, you are now in heaven “Feeling the Warmth of the Sun” with Brian Wilson.
Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.
