Dave Sunkes Obituary, Death: Athletic Director for the Ballston Spa Central School District Passed Away Unexpectedly

Ballston Spa Central School District athletic director and longtime administrator Dave Sunkes passed away on Saturday, the district announced in a letter.

Superintendent Gianleo Duca stated that the family has requested privacy and withheld information on Sunkes’ passing. Social media users from the community expressed shock and grief over the death.

In his statement, Superintendent Duca expressed his profound regard for Sunkes, both personally and professionally, calling him a treasured colleague and an indispensable resource. “I’ve always looked forward to discussing a wide range of topics with Dave,” Duca wrote.

“He helped me so much in so many different ways.” The superintendent’s remarks encapsulate Sunkes’ impact by stressing not only his position within the district but also his close relationships with faculty and students.

Dave Sunkes was a mainstay of the athletic program at the Ballston Spa Central School District for twenty-two years of his tenure. Throughout his tenure, he demonstrated a strong commitment to student-athletes and never-ending diligence to make sure the district’s sports programs were successful.

Under his direction, the district’s athletic programs expanded and succeeded, encouraging kids to strive for greatness, discipline, and teamwork. The difficult COVID-19 pandemic years were one of Sunkes’ most noteworthy career moments.

Sunkes was essential in leading the district’s athletics program through the chaos during the world’s most severe shutdowns and limitations. His guidance was crucial in negotiating the challenges of continuing athletics while abiding by health regulations.

In his eulogy, Village of Ballston Spa Mayor Frank Rossi recognized this and thanked Sunkes for his remarkable leadership and fortitude amid a time of great uncertainty.