David E. Shire, 79, of the Town of Niagara, NY, passed away at his home on November 13, 2024 while under the care of Niagara Hospice.  Born in Williamsport, PA, he was the son of the late Lester J. and Rosene M. (Baier) Shire.

David was a graduate of South Williamsport High School, and earned his Bachelor's Degree in Mathematics from Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA, minoring in History.  He began studying towards a Master's Degree from Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA.  On August 5, 1972, he married Carol A. (Eck) Shire in Montoursville, PA.  David was employed as a Mathematics Teacher with the Niagara Falls Board of Education for 30 years from 1967 until his retirement in 1997, spending 16 years at LaSalle Middle School and 14 years at LaSalle High School.

David was a devoted Mason.  He was a member of Lodge #106 since 1966, Chapter #222, Adinirom Cryptic Council #26, Baldwin II #22 Commandery Knights Templar and Valley of Williamsport AASR Consistory, all located in his hometown of Williamsport, PA.  He was an honorary member of the former LaSalle Lodge #1049, which merged with Niagara LaSalle #132, in Niagara Falls, NY.  David was also an active member of Ransomville Lodge #551, having served as Tyler, Marshall, Junior and Senior Deacon.  He was a past High Priest of Niagara Chapter #200 RA Masons, and past Imminent Master of Temple Council #64, serving 2 terms in 1975 and 2007.  David was also a member of the Lake Erie Commandery #20 and Hugh dePayens/Tancred Commandery #30.

A talented musician, David was the Organist for 44 years for First Church of Christ Scientist in Niagara Falls, NY.  With his Masonic affiliation, he was the past Grand Musician for Elgin Lodge of Perfection and Niagara Chapter Rose Croi, located in Ontario, Canada.  In addition, he was the Past Grand Commander (2011) of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar State of New York and was awarded Knight Commander of the Temple.  He also served as Grand Musician of the Grand Commandery Knights Templar State of New York, Grand Musician of the Grand Chapter State of New York Royal Arch Masons, and was past Grand Musician for Grand Commandery Knights Templar State of Pennsylvania.

David was also active in several invitational Masonic bodies.  He served as VE Preceptor for Good Sheppard Tabernacle #30 HRAKTP, was Chancellor for Niagara Frontier York Rite College #77, and was Worthy Master for Novum Eboracum Chapel #51 St. Thomas of Acon.  He was a member of St. Mark's Chapter Red Cross of Constantine, Sons of Light Council AMD, Fenian Council #72 KM, and Royal Order of Scotland.  David was also a Turtle, a Knight Preceptor and Crusader of the Cross, among others, and spearhead for the loose knit Ancient Medieval Chain Mail Templar Knights.  He was a very active member of the Knights Templar Drill Team and served as Captain General for a few years, and competed with other teams in New York, Ohio and Texas.

In his spare time, he enjoyed reading history and fantasy books, playing his Allen Theatre Organ, collecting Star Wars and D&D figures, and model railroading, and was an Emeritus Member of the Niagara Orleans Model Railroad Club, but was a 45-year member.

In addition to his wife of 52 years, David is survived by his son, Jeremy K. (Amanda) Shire; his grandchildren, Shyloh (David) Cusic, Gabriel D. Shire, Scout K. Shire, and Larkin C. Shire, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was predeceased by his brother, Steven Harry Shire.

In accordance with David's wishes, there will be no prior visitation or funeral services.  If desired, memorial offerings may be made to Knight Templar Eye Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 271118, Flower Mound, TX, 75027, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240, or to Niagara Hospice, Inc., 4675 Sunset Drive, Lockport, NY 14094.  Arrangements by M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel.  Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.