A former president and current director of the Auburn-based Fred L. Emerson Foundation died unexpectedly Friday at his home in Fleming.

David Emerson was the grandson of the foundation's founder, and had served more than three decades with the philanthropic organization.

David's daughter, Lori Robinson, in a statement released by the family Saturday, recalled her father's broad range of interests.

“Dad was extraordinarily passionate about anything that was important to him,” she said. “Whether it was SU basketball, collecting coins, his grandchildren, or the Auburn community, he fully dedicated himself to it.”

“David Emerson was a caring person, a community champion and a dedicated philanthropist,” the foundation board of directors said in a news release. “For more than 32 years, David served as a director of the Emerson Foundation with a tireless interest in helping others. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”

The Emerson Foundation has been one of the wealthiest philanthropic organizations in upstate New York. It was started in 1932 by the late Fred L. Emerson, who ran the Dunn & McCarthy Inc. women's shoe company in Auburn. The foundation targets a range of organizations and agencies with its donations, including groups working in education, health care, community service, religion, cultural enrichment, youth development and social welfare.