David Thomas MacBlane

MacBlane, David Thomas. Age 64. 

David passed away on May 30th in Syracuse, NY. He was born in Elmira, NY on February 2, 1962 the son of Thomas and Geraldine MacBlane. He graduated from Elmira Southside High School in 1980 and from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1985 with a degree in computer engineering. Until 2005, David had a successful career at KPMG, Booz Allen Hamilton, McKinsey & Co, and was the CIO at WPP. He was also the CEO of MarsMusic.com, which allowed him to pursue his passion in the music industry. Throughout his career, he traveled across the United States and to many countries around the world. David lived in Rochester, New York City, Fort Lauderdale and Chicago before moving to Syracuse.

David’s great passion in life was music. He was a talented self-taught guitarist, drummer, and singer from a young age. He truly enjoyed his collection of guitars and performing in bands. He was an expert downhill skier and continued to ski through this past winter. David also developed an interest in magic early in life and shared his love of performing at several events in Elmira throughout his childhood. These last few years he was vice president of the Salt City Magic Club, a chapter of The International Brotherhood of Magicians, Harris A. Solomon Ring #74, in Syracuse. David developed, operated and was the club’s official “Web Wizard.” He loved working on this, and he left a wonderful legacy. David found great joy and pride in the club, the shows, and the friendships he made there.

In his later years, David experienced some health and life challenges that made things difficult for him. David was a kind soul and had a great sense of humor. He was loved and will be missed by family and friends.

David is survived by his twin daughters, Ava MacBlane of Charlottesville, VA and Anna MacBlane of Richmond, VA; his sister, Lorrie LaDuke of Syracuse; his sister and brother-in-law, Ellie and Gary Manchester of Easton, PA; nephews, Matthew (Monica) Manchester of Easton, PA and Michael Manchester of Willow Grove, PA; and his former wife, Lauren Surprenant of Frankford, West Virginia. He is also survived by his dear friends Chaz Featherstone and Kenneth Frehm of Syracuse. He was predeceased by his parents and aunts and uncles.

A private graveside service will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery in Elmira, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David's memory to Salt City Magic Club, 314 Fayette Drive, Fayetteville, NY 13066. Please make donations payable to IBM Ring 74.