Coming from Needham (Mass.) High School, he majored in mechanical engineering and belonged to Cannon. Soon after graduation he entered the Army, serving in the Counter Intelligence Corps until 1953. After sales jobs with Cutler-Hammer in Milwaukee and Philadelphia, he opened its York office in 1955.
In 1962, along with several local business leaders, he formed Industrial Solid State Controls (ISSC). Under his leadership, ISSC grew to be an international manufacturer of electrical control components and automation systems. It was ultimately sold to Honeywell.
Dave gave back to the York County community that supported his family and business, serving in leadership positions on the York Suburban School District board, the York Hospital Board, and the Susquehanna Regional Airport Authority. A charter member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church, he was an elder and served on its board of trustees.
One of his joys was traveling the world with his wife, Marjorie, whom he married in 1950. During his travels he pursued his love of photography.
Dave, who never met a stranger, is survived by children, Doug, Alan, and Beth; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Marjorie and son Bruce predeceased him.