David H. Neff, 92, of Millersville, PA, died on November 18, 2010 at Lancaster General Hospital.  He was born in Bellaire, Ohio to the late David H. Neff Sr. and Lotta M. (Cramer) Neff.  Dave retired from Penn Manor School District after 24 years of service as Athletic Director and Supervisor of Health, Physical Education, Safety and Intramurals Departments.  Dave was married to the late Sara E. (Ernst) Neff for 66 years.  She died in April of 2007.

Dave was a 1937 graduate of Penn Manor High School.  He played varsity basketball and baseball for 2 years.  He received a scholarship to the University of Alabama, which he attended 1937-38.  He played football, basketball, and baseball for the University.  At this time in Dave's career, some baseball scouts considered him Major League Baseball Talent.  From 1939-43, he attended Millersville State Teacher's College.  He received his BS in Education and played 4 years of basketball and baseball.  Dave contributed to state titles in 1939-40, and led the team in scoring his senior year. In 1955-57, Dave attended West Chester State College for a health and Physical Education Certificate.  In 1967, he completed his Master's Degree and Supervisory certification.

His teaching and coaching career began in West Lampeter High School, where for 2 years he coached basketball and baseball.  Then moving to Oxford High School for 11 years, he was basketball and track coach. He was athletic director for 5 years at Oxford High.  Dave was past president of the Southern Chester County Coaches Association.  Dave spent the next 24 years in Penn Manor School District, teaching and coaching track, basketball, and soccer.  Dave won numerous titles for the Penn Manor teams as their coach.  Dave also introduced 20 different athletic teams into the Interscholastic sports program.  As department chairman, he was always updating curriculum and introducing new programs such as CPR and Co-Ed. Physical Education.

Dave, on a personal level, played amateur and semi-pro basketball and baseball.  He played 14 years with the Millersville Merchants and 14 years of baseball in the Lancaster City County League.  Awards included: 1992 Distinguished Alumni award, Penn Manor dedicated Comet Fieldhouse in David's name.  In 1993, Dave was inducted into the Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the PA Sports Hall of Fame.

Dave's memberships include: First United Methodist Church of Millersville, Millersville Lion's Club, and the Charles M. Howell Masonic Lodge # 496 of Millersville.  Dave enjoyed hunting and fishing, gardening, woodworking, and all sports.

Surviving a son David H. Neff his wife Sharon D. of Sanford, NC, a son James R. Neff his wife Heidi M. of Chesapeake, VA, 3 grandchildren Jennifer E. Groves, Jamie E. Ferguson and Lori M. Neff, and 3 great grandchildren Grayson and Leni Groves and Taylor R. Ferguson, one sister Thursa Brackbill of Lancaster, PA.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Memorial Service on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 2PM at First United Methodist Church 121 North George St., Millersville, PA with Rev. John A. Laughlin officiating.  The family will receive friends at the church from 1 – 2 PM. Interment will be at Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.  Please omit flowers.  Memorials in Dave's memory may be sent to Penn Manor High School Athletic Department 100 East Cottage Avenue, Millersville, PA 17551.  To send online condolences, please visit www.snyderfuneralhome.com . Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory in charge of arrangements. 441 N. George St. Millersville, PA 17551 717-872-5041