David G. Heckel, Sr. of Lititz, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, September 2, 2024, Labor Day. He was the son of Frank P. Heckel and Mary Garber Heckel. He was the beloved husband of the late Edith Spalding Heckel, with whom he will celebrate 70 years of marriage on Sept. 11th.

Dave grew up in Lancaster, graduated from Manheim Twp. High School, class of 1950. He went on to Penn State University, graduating in 1954. He was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, the last Frothy (Jester) to the Nittany Lion and a ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate. He served two years active duty during the Korean Conflict and six years in the Army Reserves as Company Commander of the 475th Quartermaster Group Headquarters, York, PA.

Dave joined the family business Penn Dairies in Lancaster, founded by his grandfather, Eli Garber. He served the company for 40 years in senior management positions in York, Harrisburg and Lancaster. Wherever he lived, he was a leader of his church and community. In York, he was president of the York Jaycees, State Director of the PA Jaycees, Senator of the International Jaycees and an Elder and Trustee of the Eastminister Presbyterian Church. In Harrisburg, he was president of the Westshore Rotary Club, Chairman of the West Shore YMCA, President of the Fairview Elementary School PTA and Secretary of the West Shore Toastmasters Club. In Lancaster, he was Chairman of Lancaster SCORE, President of The Lititz Moravian Church Trustees and a member of their choir. He served as a trustee of Linden Hall School for Girls and was a member of their Executive Board. As a member of Highland Presbyterian Church, he served as a Trustee for six years. As a member of The Lancaster Rotary Club serving as president for a number of years and having 44 years of service with perfect attendance. He was recently honored as a Life Time Rotarian. Dave was known for his sense of humor and quick wit. He was the past Chief of the Pirates, a member of MOAA and a former member of The Hamilton Club. Dave lived the life of "Service Above Self".

His professional associations included PA Assoc. of Milk Dealers, Keystone Ice Cream Assoc., International Bottled Water Assoc. and PA Motor Truck Assoc.

Dave, along with his family, enjoyed his 8-acre farmette located at Kissel Hill. He spent many years restoring his 18th century barn, house, and summer kitchen. A picture of the barn appeared on many magazine covers, calendars, Christmas cards, and was included in the book, "Barns of North America." During the 50 plus years, this farmette was home to horses, donkeys, dogs, cats, goats, geese, ducks, chickens, peacocks, turkeys and swans. Dave was a talented Do-It-Yourself worker in carpentry, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. He along with a student architect (now world renown), designed and built a pavilion, much used many years for family and friend gatherings. Dave was a great history buff and enjoyed doing family genealogical research, creating extensive family trees for numerous sides of his family.

He is survived by four children: Pamela Whallon, wife of Peter Whallon, Lancaster, Mary Welk, wife of the late Curtis Welk, Sarah Summers (Sally), wife of Robert Summers and David Heckel, Jr., husband of Melanie (Miller) Heckel, all of Lititz. Dave was an amazing grandfather to 10 grandchildren: Leah Rude (David), Carrie Redgate (Scott), Olivia Pollock (Tyler), Colleen Corcoran (Patrick), Morgan Heckel, Molly Welk (Cory), Adam Welk, Anna Summers, David Heckel III and Zachary Welk. He was the proud great grandfather of Micah and Penny Redgate, Owen Pollock and Maya Welk and excitedly anticipated the arrival of two more.

Dave will be laid to rest at Moravian Cemetery, 212 E. Main St., Lititz, PA 17543 on Sunday, September 8, 2024 at 1 PM. Following, the family invites guests to a visitation at the Lititz Moravian Church at 1:45 PM until the time of service at 3 PM. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed via livestream at lititzmoravian.org/heckle-memorial-service/ .

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Masonic Village Hospice or Lititz Moravian Church Book of Remembrance.