David Futtersak, 94

WARWICK, R.I. – David I. Futtersak died June 6 at HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center.  He was the beloved husband for 67 years of Florence (Sternbach) Futtersak. Born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, the son of the late Morris and Rose (Sassower) Futtersak and brother of the late Frances Meshover, David spent much of his early life in Fall River, Massachusetts, before moving to Warwick, where he lived for more than 50 years. David attended Durfee High School in Fall River and was a graduate of the Art Institute of Boston. He also studied at the Art Students League of New York and at the Brooklyn Museum before establishing his career as an advertising artist, first on Madison Avenue, then in Fall River and in Providence.

David was a Korean War-era veteran, serving in the Engineer and Research Development Laboratory at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, before assuming a more spiritual role as the Jewish Chaplain’s Assistant for military institutions across the Washington area. 

David was a lifelong artist and creative marketer. After a long and successful career as art director and VP at Goldsmith-Trager Advertising, David established his own advertising agency in Providence called Ad Direction. During his many years in the field of art and public relations, David’s creative work appeared in print media, radio, billboards, and on hundreds of product labels and commercial booklets. Over the course of his career, he also developed several successful political campaigns for RI candidates, including Mayor Buddy Cianci and Rhode Island’s first Jewish governor, Frank Licht.  Never one to say “no” to a worthy cause, David also found time to volunteer countless hours providing pro bono marketing and design services to local groups and organizations.  

David was passionately religious and observant. He was an active member of the former Temple Beth Am for more than 50 years and a current member of Temple Emanu-El. He was a member of the RI Jewish War Veterans and was an avid history buff, tennis player and slot machine maven. 

A caring man with a quick and unfailing sense of humor, David was devoted to his wife, children and grandchildren who will remember him best as a “mensch.” Survived by his wife Florence of Warwick, David was the devoted father of son Marvin “Bill” Futtersak and his wife, Karen, of Waxhaw, North Carolina; Linda Segal and her late husband, Michael, of Collegeville, Pennsylvania; and the loving grandfather of Joshua (Ginger) Futtersak, Alex Futtersak, Teddy (Justina) Segal and Adam Segal.  

Contributions in David’s memory may be made to the charity of your choice.