Obituary of John David Carlyle

John "David" Carlyle, 86, of Syracuse, NY, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025 with his loving family by his side. 

David was born in Syracuse on July 8, 1938 to Alice (Merrigan) and Chester Carlyle.  He and his family first lived on Tompkins Street in Syracuse's Tipperary Hill neighborhood, and was baptized at St. Patrick's Church.

After David graduated from St. Anthony of Padua School in Syracuse, he studied at Fordham University in the Bronx.  He was proud to return home to complete his Master's Degree in History at Syracuse University.

David was hired as a teacher at the Solvay School District in 1960.  At the time, the district only had room for a part time Social Studies teacher in the middle school, but they also needed a part time French teacher.  A very charismatic David convinced the interviewing committee that he was the perfect candidate to take both positions, and they agreed!  Shortly thereafter, a full time position for a Social Studies teacher opened up in the High School, where he remained for an impressive 37 years until his retirement in 1998.  During his tenure, he also served as the Chairman of the Social Studies department, as well as the President of the Solvay Teacher's Union.  He developed a program at Solvay in conjunction with the New York State Attorney General's Office called "Reach and Teach," which was designed to give high school students a better understanding of everyday law in New York State.  David also taught the school's Advanced Placement class in History.  Consummately devoted to his students, he would open his home on Tuesday nights every spring to hold review sessions before the AP exam at the end of the school year.

Always the conversationalist, he often joked that because of his time in the classroom, he could talk about a candy bar for exactly 40 minutes, the length of a school period.  He was an avid reader, compiling a library of thousands of books, many of which he had read more than once.  He loved spending time with his family, and of course his cat!

David is predeceased by his mother, Alice, father, Chester Carlyle, brother, Michael and sister, Mary Alice.  He is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Joan (Gleeson), his twin sons, John Paul (Nichole) of Syracuse and Simon (Ashley) of Metairie, Louisiana, three beautiful granddaughters, Meredith, Kathryn, and Brynn and many loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, January 9, 2025 from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 11am at Our Lady of Hope, 4845 S Salina St. Entombment will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the National Kidney Foundation:1344 University Avenue, Suite 270, Rochester, NY 14607.