Obituaries

David M. DeWolf, 86

May 22, 2019

David M. DeWolf (a/k/a Handsome Dave), 86, of Elizabethtown, PA, passed away on May 22, 2019, in Elizabethtown, PA. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, on October 31, 1932, to the late Lewis DeWolf and Pauline (nee Hirshout) DeWolf. He was predeceased by his sister Rose DeWolf and brother-in-law Bernard Ingster.

Dave will be missed by his significant other Trudy McComsey, her children Wendy Burke (Steve Kerlin), Lori Macchi (Michael S. Richardson), her grandchildren Frederick Macchi, Jessica Macchi, Kallie Macchi, & Jacob Macchi. The grandchildren affectionately called him “Grandpa Dave”.

Dave was a graduate of West Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia, PA.

He was a Captain in the U.S Army. He served during the Korean War and Berlin Crisis.

Upon being discharged from the military, he attended and graduated from Temple University School of Pharmacy, Philadelphia, PA. He was a pharmacist with the Dunham U.S. Army Health Clinic, Carlisle, PA, retiring in 1992, and retained his pharmacy license until his passing.

Dave made his first jump on May 18, 1962, at Ft Knox from a brand-new B model UH1-Huey. He made 27 jumps at military sport clubs before getting off of active duty.

His first civilian jump was at Steve Snyder’s drop zone in New Jersey – His log book comment “I can see that civilian life will be expensive.”
Dave has provided leadership as a founding member and Charter Member of both United Parachute Club and Maytown Sport Parachute Club. The United Parachute Club was incorporated in 1969. Soon after that the Maytown Sport Parachute Club (MSPC) was formed with the help of Dave by combining the Falling Stars and the Flying Dutchman. Dave was an active member of MSPC until his passing. He has promoted the sport of parachuting by positive interaction with the FAA and by parachuting activities covered in local and national media. Dave was a life-time member of the United States Parachute Association (USPA). He has performed demonstration jumps, competed in Mid-East Parachute Association, USPA and Parachutists Over Phorty Society competitions in style, accuracy and formation skydiving and participated in state, national, and world record jumps while accumulating 13,205 jumps.

He also participated in a formation skydive world record with Jumpers Over Eighty Society. He was the 4th skydiver in the US to attain his 4,000 Jump Wings. Dave was also a USPA instructor and taught many students how to skydive. Dave has jumped in the USA, Germany, Spain, Canada, New Zealand, and Belize. Some of his favorite demonstration jumps were The Big 33 at Hershey Park Stadium, Hershey, PA, opening game for The Barnstormers, Lancaster, PA, and opening game for The York Revolution, York, PA.

Dave became a senior rigger in 1965, so he could pack his own reserve. In 1970, he obtained his master rigger certificate. In 1972, Dave organized his first riggers course and he continued the courses for 48 years. He has trained well over 1000 riggers both civilian and military. Dave has owned Para Loft, Inc. since 1977. He is the longest running Designated Parachute Rigger Examiner (DPRE) for Harrisburg Flight Standards District Office. Dave is a member of Parachute Industry Association (PIA). He is also a member of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI).

He received the USPA Gold Medal for Meritorious Service in 2001. He received the Spirit of POPS award in 2004. He received the Don Beck Memorial Achievement Award from PIA in 2007. He was inducted into the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame in October, 2016.

In addition to skydiving, he was an avid concert goer and loved all music, especially hard rock!

“Handsome Dave” touched many lives in his 86 years. He cared deeply for each and every one of them. He will be greatly missed by all his friends.

There will be a celebration of life for Dave at 3:00 p.m. on June 29, 2019, at the Maytown Sport Parachute Club, Donegal Springs Airpark (N71), 188 Airport Road, Marietta, PA 17356. Details can be found on the MSPC website at skydivemspc.com.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s memory may be made to the International Skydiving Museum & Hall of Fame, 1648 Taylor Road, Suite 514, Port Orange, FL 32128.

Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543 717-560-5100.

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Condolences to the Family

September 21, 2020

I first met Handsome Dave in 1967, at Agypt’s Pharmacy, where I worked with Dave. He became a much loved friend of my family. I jumped with him at Hartwood Paracenter, VA, as well as Ridgely, MD.  When he was on his way to Z Hills in FL, he would always stop in at my Mom’s house for spaghetti. I will always remember Dave fondly.
Blue skies my friend.
Patricia A. Sullivan, DMD

January 14, 2020

i have known Dave (also referred to as Big Bad (dewolf) since 1969 when we met at Federal building,  he was the funniest, kindest guy,  attended many of his great parties.  i spoke with him end of April 2109 and he told me of his illness.  Life ended on my end (death of my brother, raiding my grandson) so when i called him several times and received no answer i assumed he was at Dr appt etc,  We all know we are not making it out of her alive but i always figured Handsome Dave would beat the odds.  what a great guy
audrey snyder novinger

October 29, 2019

I just found out about Dave’s passing and know he is missed. He was always helpful and made a hugh impact on the sport. Condolances. 
Joseph Ogershok

October 25, 2019

I am sorrty to hear about Dave’s passing. I just found out. He was a nice man with a sense of humor. It will seem strange to know he is no longer out there. He was a fellow parachute rigger that I enjoyed talking with.
Randy Finelli

July 04, 2019

where to even start with what a fine gentleman Dave was. i got to know him as a jumper at United years ago, he was kind, funny, smart and just made you feel good when you were around him. I was so sad to see that he passed, but he lived an amazing and full life. my condolences to his family and friends. 
mary salmon

June 30, 2019

Friend and Graduate of Dave’s!  Shared many jumps with him and many years at the WFFC.   Wish I had known, I would have traveled to the Memorial Service!  For those of you that don’t know, Dave was a self Prophessed Dog Trainer.  He was always happy to inform people that “He was training his dog ‘not to eat’ and his dog died on him!”  Blue Skies Dave! 
Findlay McCool

June 26, 2019

Condolences from the entire Bank of America family to Lori and her family during the loss of Mr. DeWolf. From what I heard from Lori and read about him, he was an interesting man who lived life to the fullest. Rest in peace.

June 24, 2019

Everyone in the skydiving community mourns Dave and sends condolences to his family. Knowing him was a privilege. Skydiving with him was even better. We will miss him dearly. 
Doug Garr

June 04, 2019

So many stories, so many jokes, so many memories. You will truly be missed by many. Blue Skies my friend! 
Rob & Tammy Eno

June 03, 2019

Handsome, You will be missed.
Carol

June 02, 2019

I had the pleasure and honor to meet Dave thru Trudy at Valeybrook functions. Although he left this world to the palace of eternity, memories of him are of a good and adventurous man.
connie scaringi

Services
Saturday, June 29, 2019
3:00 PM
Maytown Sport Parachute Club, Donegal Springs Airpark (N71)
188 Airport Road
Marietta, PA
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