David G. Hammond, a retired undersheriff of Ontario County and longtime contributor to local law enforcement, passed away on November 5 at F.F. Thompson Hospital. He was 81.
Born on November 11, 1942, in Lockport, NY, Hammond served in the United States Navy before graduating from S.U.N.Y. Brockport with a degree in English and Secondary Education. He initially pursued a career in teaching, working as an English teacher at Geneva High School. However, his path soon led him to the Ontario County Sheriff’s Department, where he transitioned to a full-time role in 1971. Over the next three decades, he served with distinction in various capacities, including Deputy, Welfare Fraud Investigator, Lieutenant of Road Patrol, and Criminal Investigation Division, culminating in his role as Undersheriff. He retired in 2002 after a notable career.
In addition to his law enforcement work, Hammond was a passionate educator. He served as a Director and Instructor at the Finger Lakes Law Enforcement Academy, where he guided and trained future officers, leaving a lasting impact on the local law enforcement community.
Outside of his career, Hammond was a multifaceted individual with interests ranging from fishing and boating to Scrabble, poetry, and music. Known for his talents in landscaping and building stoneworks, he was also a member of the Canandaigua Yacht Club and Clifton Springs Country Club.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karyl Hammond; his daughters, Rayne Hammond-Benz (David Benz) and Summer Trzeciak (Jonathan); and his four grandchildren. He also leaves behind siblings and extended family who remember him fondly.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, November 11, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Canandaigua. Interment will follow at Addison Rural Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
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