Former BHS Teacher, Giant in Education and Music, Community Leader, David Stephen Nuzum, Passes
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 06, 2026
David Stephen Nuzum, 66, of Mount Clare, WV passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Mon General Hospital following complications from cancer treatment.
He was born on December 13, 1959, in Clarksburg, WV, son of the late John D. Nuzum and Virginia A. Nuzum. David was preceded in death in 2006 by his elder brother, Charles Richard (Dick) Nuzum. He was the second to last survivor of his immediate family.
David was survived by his wife of 40 years, Sandi Jo Nuzum, his elder brother John T.
(Tom) Nuzum and sister-in-law Randi Nuzum of Myrtle Beach, SC, his eldest son Casey Nuzum, his eldest daughter Courtney Nuzum, and his youngest, adopted son, Jared Nuzum.
Mr. Nuzum was a 1978 graduate of Washington Irving High School and a graduate of West Virginia University in 1982 and 1996. At West Virginia University he traveled to England to perform in a trombone ensemble under Dick Powell during which was at the same time as Diane and Charles’ Royal wedding. He obtained his Bachelor’s in Music, Master’s in Music, and Master’s in Administration.
Starting in 1984, Mr. Nuzum served the citizens of West Virginia as a music teacher in Ritchie County then Harrison County in 1986 for 32 years in total. In Ritchie County, he taught at Pennsboro High School and in Harrison County he taught at: Bridgeport High School, Robert C. Byrd High School as the first Assistant Band Director, South Harrison Middle School, West Milford Elementary School, Norwood Elementary School, Nutter Fort Elementary School, and Washington Irving Middle School.
As people who knew him realized, Mr. Nuzum was a man of incredible talent and immense kindness. Through his knowledge of musical theory and performing arts he would perform for various groups in his communities and others nearby. He would perform with Colombo’s Big Band, 1970’s cover band Second Street, Shinnston Community Band, Morgantown Big Band, and various school theatre productions. Through these groups he was able to share beautiful music with thousands of people. He also designed and, with assistance, built an addition to his family’s home to adopt his wife’s disabled great-nephew.
In the 1990’s he served on the board of the Elks Recreation, which oversaw the operations of the Quiet Dell Community Pool as the Treasurer. Through his service as Treasurer, he was able to successfully keep the local community pool operational for the kids of the community to enjoy and learn how to swim. No less than 100s of kids would enjoy spending their summers at the community pool due to his efforts.
David was continually active with the First Presbyterian Church of Clarksburg since his childhood. Throughout the years, he would serve as Elder of the Session. He would play in the church’s handbell choir, his trombone, and his bass for multiple musical arrangements. As he had children, he would enjoy spending every Wednesday evening during his own children’s childhood going to Wednesday Night Live at the church, which would include scripture lessons and music. He eventually would serve as Music Coordinator for the handbell choir which included organizing performances and maintenance of the group’s instruments. He was a board member and former chairperson of Children’s Instrument Recycle Program (CHIRP) and was the director of the Italian Heritage Festival Orchestra.
David loved his family very much and would strive to share as many experiences as he could with them. Every evening, you could find him with his family working on homework, school projects, planning trips, or his school lesson plans. He would take his family on trips, spend time in the family garden, or working in his woodworking shop.
Friends will be received at Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison St, Clarksburg on, Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Following the visitation David will be cremated.
A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 175 W. Main St, Clarksburg on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 12:00 pm with Reverand James Harris presiding.
Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 175 W. Main St. Clarksburg, WV 26301.
Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com. A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.
