Dr. David L. Kirkpatrick

On October 31, 2026, well-known local optometrist Dr. David L. Kirkpatrick passed away at UVM CVPH. He was the beloved husband of Noreen, the loving father of Nicholas and deeply devoted brother of Nancy. His strong spirit led him through his battle with Parkinson’s disease these past 19 years.

Born on September 16, 1949, and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Theresa Menezes and Donald Kirkpatrick. He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1967.

Dr. Kirkpatrick went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Siena College in 1971, where he was active in student government, the Green Circle Society and captained the cross-country team.

Enrolled in the Army Reserve Officer's Training Program, Kirkpatrick received a commission as a second lieutenant in the US Army Medical Service Corps upon graduation. Lt. Kirkpatrick served two years as a Detachment Commander for the 44th Medical Brigade at Fort George G. Meade, MD. Returning to school, he accepted an Air Force Scholarship and went on to receive the Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. After completing his externship training at the Maryland Optometric Center in Baltimore, MD, Dr. Kirkpatrick entered the US Air Force and was commissioned as a Captain.

It was during his first assignment at Plattsburgh AFB, NY, that he met the love of his life, Noreen Wolansky. David and Noreen were later married on May 8, 1982, during a military ceremony at the Plattsburgh Old Base Chapel. He knew no greater joy than spending time with his family throughout their many assignments, raising his son, Nicholas, born July 9, 1987, and exercising with his companions Abby and Kirby.

Dr. Kirkpatrick served a total of 20 years as an optometrist in the US Air Force, from 1977 to 1997. After his assignment at Plattsburgh AFB, he attended the Pacific University College of Optometry from 1982 to 1984, where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Management. Following a 4-year assignment at RAF Upper Heyford, England, he served as Service Chief at March AFB, CA. Upon receiving his promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, Dr. Kirkpatrick was transferred to Andrews Air Force Base, MD, in 1992, where he served as Optometry Flight Commander at the USAF Medical Center at Andrews AFB and as Chief Optometrist for the Air Force at the Pentagon. While in the Washington, DC area, he served in the capacity of Command Consultant to the Biomedical Sciences Corps Associate Chief and the Surgeon General. Dr. Kirkpatrick was entrusted to coordinate eye care policy in optometry for all Army, Navy and Air Force facilities in the National Capital Area. He was a graduate of Air Command and Staff College as well as the Air War College. He also served as Adjunct Faculty for the Southern California and Pennsylvania Colleges of Optometry providing student training programs.

Dr. Kirkpatrick was the recipient of the coveted Expert Field Medical Badge, AF Commendation Medal with 1 device, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 devices, National Defense Service Medal with 1 device, AF Training Ribbon, AF Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award with 4 devices, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon and AF Outstanding Unit Award with 2 devices.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Dr. Kirkpatrick established his practice at Eye Care for The Adirondacks, where he specialized in Contact Lenses.

David and Noreen enjoyed 44 years together. Side by side, they built two homes and traveled throughout the United States. David loved his home in Plattsburgh. He loved running, gardening, evenings with his family, laughing, helping his mom and dad, and enjoying Noreen's and his mom's cooking. He was also very skilled and meticulous in home repairs and always had a project underway. He had a great passion and appreciation for skilled craftsmanship and detail that carried over from his professional life.

He brought great compassion, energy and professionalism to his work, and that compassion to serve fueled him as an optometrist. He left a legacy for his family to follow.

Most importantly, Dr. Kirkpatrick's family and loved ones would like him to be remembered as the best father, husband, brother and friend anyone could ask for. David was loved and respected by family and friends through relationships cultivated over the years. He will be remembered as a courteous and gracious man with a keen sense of humor.

David is survived by his wife Noreen, son Nicholas, sister Nancy and her husband Terry, and his brother-in-law Wayne Micheal. He is predeceased by his parents and his energetic running buddies Abby and Kirby.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude and love to the caregivers who helped Noreen care for David and keep him in the home he loved for so long: Charlene Beshaw, Mae Ellen Brothers, Steffen and Zach Jermano, Wendy Murnane and Brayden Ruffin; the North Country morning crew: Chris, Kim, Alexis and Danielle; the entire staff of R6, R7 and ICU at UVM CVPH; and Dr. Gupta at UVM Neurology.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Dr. David L. Kirkpatrick to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, the American Parkinson's Disease Association, Elmore SPCA, or the North Country Association for the Visually Impaired.

Calling hours will be held from 10:00AM to 11:30AM on Monday, November 16, 2026 at the R.W. Walker Funeral Home in Plattsburgh. A funeral service will follow at 11:30AM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Chris Looby officiating. Full military honors and entombment will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Please visit rwwalkerfh.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a photo, story or memory.

Arrangements have been entrusted to R.W. Walker Funeral Home and Cremation Service 69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 563-1760.