David N. Caines

David Norman Caines, 95, passed away peacefully at home in Hempstead, New York, on March 6, 2026, after a long bout with dementia.

Born on June 10, 1930, in New York City, David lived a life defined by faith, service, family, and community. Over the course of his 95 years, he became many things to many people: husband, father, grandfather, uncle, veteran, church leader, mentor, teacher, and community leader. Through it all, the constants were faith, family, humor, and a sincere desire to help others.

David served his country with honor as a decorated Korean War veteran and Sergeant in Company B, 254th Tank Battalion, from 1952 to 1953. He later built a distinguished career with the Federal Aviation Administration, serving as an air traffic controller, a labor-management mediator, and finally an empowerment and recruiting specialist.

He shared more than 71 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Inez Caines. He met Inez while he was working at Safeway in Harlem, and she was a regular customer. They married in 1954. Together they built a strong and loving family and later became active community leaders through the Hempdale Civic Association. The church treasurer at Calvary AME Zion in Queens, and a deeply spiritual man, David also gave his time through the local library, teaching reading and English as a second language. He received numerous awards for his dedication and leadership in his work, church, and community.

David is survived by his wife, Inez Caines; his sons, Dwight Caines, Vance Caines, and Bruce Caines; his daughters-in-law, Laurence Caines, Suzanne Caines, and Carolyn Caines; his grandsons, Emile Caines, Andrew Caines; Samuel Caines, and his granddaughters, Maya Caines and Noa Caines; and a host of loving family and friends.

He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Diane Caines; his mother, Sara Canston; his father James Caines; and his sisters, Anita Williams, Daphne Haynes, Julia Bigby, and Elaine Caines and niece Toni Brabham.

Those who knew David knew his spirit. He was devoted, funny, curious, brilliant, supportive, and proud. He loved scripture, music, dancing, singing, books, family time, helping others, repairing things, and telling stories. He had a gift for making people feel encouraged and seen, and he was always ready with advice, a pun, or a well-timed laugh. He was known for greeting you with a salute, his puns, and his favorite sayings, including, “You can do your talkin’ walkin’!” and “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” And when he said, “My three sons!” you knew exactly how much love was packed into those words.

David will be remembered as a devoted husband, beloved father, grandfather and uncle, a wise mentor, and a man whose warmth, humor, and generosity touched many lives. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, laughter, and love, and he will be deeply missed and gratefully remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in David Caines name to the Long Island chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

https://www.alz.org/longisland