David C. King, 86, of Anthony Street, Hillsdale, New York, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2020, at Fairview Commons Nursing Center in Great Barrington, where he had been a resident since November 2019. David was an award-winning author of more than 80 history, biography and culture studies books for children and young adults.

Born July 30, 1933, in Hamburg, New York, David was the son of the late Harry and Marjorie (Frost) King. He attended SUNY Buffalo, receiving master’s degrees in political science and history. David married Delores (Cecula) King in 1960. He taught at Buffalo Seminary High School and managed a summer campground in Gowanda, New York. After divorcing in 1967, David moved to California and, while living in Berkeley, met and married Sharon Flitterman, thus beginning 48 wonderful years of devotion to each other. In the late ’70s, David and Sharon moved to Hillsdale while working for Global Perspectives in Education and as a freelance writer of textbooks and educational material. His most notable books include “First People,” “Children’s Encyclopedia of American History,” biographies of Benedict Arnold and Charles Darwin, and his historical fiction novel “The Incredible Voyage of the Columbia.”
David contracted polio as a teenager and lived most of his life with the disease’s crippling aftereffects. He never complained or let his disability interfere with his way of life, traveling across the country seven times and taking multiple trips to England. He especially enjoyed visiting historical sites. David’s most recent travel highlight was a trip to Columbus, Ohio, for his grandson Eric’s wedding because he was able to reconnect and spend quality time with many family members. David also had many interests including sitting in the garden, woodworking, antiques, baseball (especially the Red Sox), golf and attending cultural events.
David will be remembered as a true gentleman. He was a handsome, kind, caring and compassionate man with a great sense of humor. Strong and intelligent, he loved life and remained ever cheerful, always a joy to be around.
David is survived by his wife, Sharon Flitterman-King; daughter Elizabeth (Betsy) Bergantino; son-in-law Robert (Bob) Bergantino; grandsons Eric Bergantino (wife Lauren), Adam Bergantino and Ross Bergantino; and great-grandson Noah Bergantino. He also leaves sisters-in-law Sandy Flitterman-Lewis (husband Joel), Ellen Stein (husband Rick), Carole Manchon (husband Mike) and Mary King as well as many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, David was predeceased by sister Chris King (husband Winfield) and brother Harry King.
A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date to be announced. Donations in memory of David C. King may be made to Hevreh of Southern Berkshire in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. To send remembrances to the family, go to www.finnertyandstevens.com.