David H. Hernquist

David Harry Hernquist, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, and beloved Pastor

Allegany- David Harry Hernquist was born on January 9, 1947, in Olean. Residing for only a short time in retirement in Allegany, he ended a year-long fight against pancreatic cancer on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 7:13 p.m. He is the son of Harry G. and Marguerite L. Wuethrich Hernquist, both of whom have predeceased him.

David grew up in Olean and found his passion in music and the clarinet, playing in bands and a community orchestra for the first half of his life. He was an active member of the youth group of the Olean First Baptist Church, where the seeds of his faith in Jesus Christ were planted and nurtured. He graduated from Olean High School in 1965 and went on to complete a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, with a major in clarinet, at the State University College at Fredonia, NY. He enlisted in the Army Band after graduation from college in 1969 and served in the Army until his discharge at the end of 1972. Upon returning to Fredonia to complete a Master of Music degree at the beginning of 1973, he took a position as the Graduate Assistant to the conducting professor. That is where he met Mary Bilotta, a student in the conducting class, and this began the friendship that has lasted 50 years. He completed his Master's degree and began teaching instrumental music in the Frontier Central School District, near Buffalo. He and Mary were married on August 16, 1975. Both taught music, and both were drawn closer to the Lord through experiencing the Baptism of the Holy Spirit shortly after their marriage. David felt called into the ministry, received Bible Training, and served on the staff of The Tabernacle (then called The Full Gospel Tabernacle) in Orchard Park, under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Thomas Reid.

He received his Assembly of God ministerial license and was ordained there. He and Mary became parents of their only child, David Andrew, in 1986. In 1990, after nearly 10 years as part of the pastoral staff at the Tabernacle, David felt the call to be a senior pastor and applied for the position of pastor at Van Nest Assembly of God in the Bronx. He was approved by the congregation, and the family moved to the Bronx in September 1990. He and Mary served the Lord and the people of God at Van Nest for nearly 33 years, retiring on April 30, 2023. During these 33 years, the church grew spiritually and in numbers. More services were added to accommodate growth, and the church grew into a multi-cultural, multi-generational community of faith. The focus was on the Word of God, worship, prayer, fellowship, missionary support, and community outreach. Pastor David has been a long-time member of the Clergy Council of the 49th Police Precinct, giving support in prayer. He has been involved in the Intercessory Prayer Ministry International, the Concerts of Prayer and Prayer Summit, and was an avid pro-life supporter. In addition to full-time Pastoring Van Nest Assembly, Pastor David has served as a Presbyter, and then Executive Presbyter for the New York Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God.

In the last 5 years, he has devoted much energy and prayer to the preparation and provision for the construction of an auxiliary church building to increase the capacity of the church for growing ministry. His retirement came as a recognition of his waning strength, even though his passion for the gospel and the local church remained high. He has left a legacy of touching many lives with God’s love for the world through Jesus Christ.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Mary (Bilotta) Hernquist; his son, David Andrew (Maureen) Hernquist; three grandchildren - Mia, Judah, and Abby; his brother, Lee Hernquist (Wanda), niece Erin Winslow, nephew Erik Hernquist, and cousins.

Friends will be received at the Mt. Zion Christian Assembly, 321 Front St. Olean, Friday, December 22, 2023 from 4:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m., with a funeral service beginning at 7p.m.  On Saturday, December 23, 2023, the Sanctuary will be open for viewing from 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m., with a funeral service starting at 10:00 a.m., with internment to follow at Allegany Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at Van Nest Assembly in the Bronx sometime in January, with date and time to be announced. 

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Pastor David’s memory through giving may send checks to Van Nest Assembly of God.

(Van Nest Assembly of God, 755 Rhinelander Ave., Bronx, NY, 10462)

Write his name on the memo line, and it will be placed in the fund for the new auxiliary building, Pastor David’s last big project.

Giving can also be done online by going to Vannestassembly.com

Go to the donate page, then to “events” and write that the gift is in honor of Pastor David.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean. 

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.