Kissinger, R. David
ALBANY — R. David “Dave” Kissinger, Ph.D., FACLINP, of Delmar, N.Y., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, surrounded by his three children. Born May 12, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Dave was the son of the late Doris (Winegar) Kissinger and Richard D. Kissinger.
His wife of 62 years, Martha Rasch Kissinger, died in 2019. He is survived by his three children, Lisa Kissinger of Albany, Paul Kissinger of Dexter, Michigan, and Mark (Karen) Kissinger and their sons, Jack and Peter Kissinger of Delmar. He was also predeceased by his daughterin-law, Susan Kissinger. He is survived by three nieces, a grand niece and nephew and many loving friends. Dave earned a B.A. from the University of Michigan in 1957 with an Honors in Psychology and a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University in 1961. Dave was the Director of Psychological and Counseling Services at Binghamton University for over 31 years. He also had an extensive private practice for forty years and helped thousands of people. Dave was a steady, calming presence in the life of many people, helping them to develop strength and self-acceptance.
Dave began his career as a Hills Hospital in Newtown, Connecticut in 1961. In 1965, he was named Director of the Counseling Center at SUNY Binghamton. Dave also held an adjunct professor position in Clinical Psychology at Binghamton. As Director, he pioneered the use of simulations and video in training peer counselors, collaborating with the theater department and Residence Life. Dave was always ahead of the curve with technology designing an intake database and note-taking system in the 1980s. He retired from Binghamton University in 1997. Dave was a lifelong learner and a man of many talents. Dave was a 1954 graduate of Roslyn High School on Long Island, N.Y. and while at the University of Michigan was a member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. He met Martha in 1954 while playing trumpet at a party at the U. of M. Martha and Dave were engaged in 1956, and were married the day after their graduation in 1957. He was a loyal Michigan alumni, always wearing maize and blue. Dave’s love for jazz began in his young adulthood, and he continued to play the trumpet throughout