David J. Goldy

David Joseph Michael Goldy (“Dave”), 91, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, January 3, 2025. Dave was born in Williamsport, PA to the late Clifford D. and Cecelia Clark Goldy. Beginning at the age of 15 and continuing to his last breath, Dave enjoyed an extraordinary lifetime of love with his beloved Gloria Vannucci, who predeceased him in Sept. 2022. A devout Catholic and member of St. Leo the Great, Dave was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all those he knew (and didn’t know). The saying “he never met a stranger” was conceptualized when Dave was born. He not only engaged anyone and everyone in conversation, his interest was truly genuine and he actively listened when he conversed with others. He was a man who truly loved his beautiful wife Gloria and their children. Joining a country club and taking up golf were never a thought for Dave. Instead, he focused his time away from dentistry on the many activities of his five children, as well as carving out family time to camp and vacation with his family over the decades. Dave also enjoyed his time at the hunting camp in the mountains of Pennsylvania with his hunting buddies. Dave’s comradery spirit, together with his deep love of family, community and natural affinity to care for others were evident at a very young age. Whether it was winning the American Legion Award at Roosevelt Jr. High, or being President of Student Council, President of the German club or being a Junior Rotarian at Williamsport High School, this was just the beginning of the genuine goodness he gave to so many. Dave began his undergraduate studies at Villanova University for his first two years, completing his final credits necessary for Dental School at both Lycoming College and Bucknell University. He began his dental school education at Temple Dental school which was temporarily halted when he was drafted after two years during the Lebanon crisis (Private First Class 103rd Medical Battalion as dental assistant in Germany). Dave graduated from dental school in 1961, opening his pediatric dentistry practice in Lancaster. Dave specialized in pediatric dentistry due to his passion for children and their dental health. For children whose families had an inability to pay for dental care, he never refused and quite often treated these children free of charge. In support of the dignity and care he bestowed upon these families, he became the primary dentist for Lancaster Head Start Program. He was an active member of the American Dental Association, PA Dental Association, Lancaster County Dental Society (Dental Health Chairman) and American Society of Dentistry for Children. He volunteered at the Hershey School for Boys, as well as speaking publicly to parent and children’s groups on the value of good dental health. Dave greatly contributed and enjoyed his membership with the Lancaster Rotary Club over many decades (President 1980-81). Dave will be missed by his children; Michael; Laura Goldy (husband Peter Brown); Pamela Goldy Rudy (husband Troy); Patricia Hirsch (husband Lenny Zwick); Gina Goldy Woods (husband Doug). He will be missed by his 16 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to attend Dave's Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 11AM at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster with Rev. Peter E. Hahn as celebrant. Friends will be received at the church from 10AM to 11AM prior to Mass. Interment will be held at the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Bausman, immediately following Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care, 685 Good Drive, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17601-4125. For other information, please call 717-393-1779 or to submit an online condolence visit www.melaniebscheidfh.com.

David J. Goldy

March 12, 1933 - January 3, 2025