David W. Herzing

David W. Herzing, 82, of 733 West Creek Road, St. Marys, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after a lengthy illness.

He was born February 24, 1941, in St. Marys, son of the late Frank X. and Louise Brown Herzing.  He was a lifelong resident of the area and a graduate of St. Marys Area High School, Class of 1958.

On February 23, 1963, Dave married Carol Jean Haberberger, who survives.  They were blessed to share 60 years of marriage.  Along with his loving wife, Dave is survived by their four children: David Herzing, Jr., of Concord, North Carolina, Shelley Herzing (Carly) of Richmond, Virginia, Melissa Herzing of Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Peter Herzing (Khrista) of Disputanta, Virginia; grandchildren: Alex Herzing, Marlies (Michael) Young, Jacob (Bethany) Herzing, Wyatt Herzing, Rion Starkweather, Kyla, Zeke, and Mazie Herzing; great-granddaughter, Gemma Young; three sisters: Margaret Ruckman of Fredonia, New York, Sally Caskey of St. Marys, Marie Kresge (Ronald) of Columbus, Ohio; a brother, Frank Herzing (Helen) of St. Marys; a sister-in-law, Donna Herzing of St. Marys; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his brother, James Herzing.

Dave graduated from Penn State University with a BS in Secondary Education and a Master’s Degree in Education.  He started his career in teaching English and Reading at the Wilcox-Johnsonburg Area School District and later the St. Marys Area School District where, after teaching English and Reading at the Middle School, he became the Assistant Principal and later achieved the position of Principal of the Middle School.

Dave had an opportunity to fulfill a childhood dream when he became the manager of Stackpole’s North Fork Lodge.  He grew up near the lodge on West Creek Road where he had many family memories of the lodge.  After his career at the North Fork Lodge, he became the Principal of St. Marys Parochial School.  Along with his career in teaching, Dave loved to coach.  He was the coach of the St. Marys High School softball and golf teams.  He later coached the Elk County Christian softball team.

Dave and his brother Frank owned and operated Boulevard Sports and Trophies.  He was also co-owner of Plaza Pizza (Gary’s Pizza).

Dave was committed to his family, faith, and community.  He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was a lector for many years.  He was a founding member of the Benzinger Township Golf Course Authority and was on the Board of Directors of Elk County Golf Association.  Dave was the longest active member for the St. Marys Rotary Club.  Music and sports played a large part in Dave’s life as he played the drums in dance bands beginning in high school and continuing through college.  Dave enjoyed bowling, golfing, and playing softball in area leagues.

Dave enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren perform and participate in school and sports events.  Vacations at the beach and amusement parks with his family brought him great joy.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 10:00AM with the Rev. Frank Ziemkiewicz, OSB, celebrating and the Rev. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, concelebrating.  Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.  The Mass will be streamed on the St. Mary’s Church YouTube Channel, www.youtube.com/@stmarysparish1411

Visitation will be held in the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 4:00PM until 6:00PM.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to an organization of your choice.