David Alan Thomas

David Alan Thomas (70), of Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 5, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 8, 1955 in Homestead, Pennsylvania to Bernice Jane (Pfeifer) and Edgar Aber Thomas. He grew up in Munhall, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Steel Valley High School in 1973. During that time David developed an enduring passion for music, mastering the trumpet, becoming a member of both the marching band as well as an audition-only jazz stage band, and earning the John Philip Sousa Award as a high school senior.

At age 13, David proudly embarked on a lifelong career of volunteer service as a junior volunteer firefighter in Munhall. Continuing into adulthood, David was an active member of Cochran Hose Fire Company for 25 years, finding great joy in volunteering as both a firefighter and as the Company Secretary/Treasurer. He also served on the Board of Directors for Valley Ambulance Authority and Sewickley Valley Hospital Credit Union.

David dedicated his life to serving others. He began his 46-year-long healthcare journey in junior high school as an X-Ray darkroom technician. While attending college he worked full-time as both emergency medical and respiratory therapy technicians. He graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Western Pennsylvania Hospital School of Respiratory Therapy earning a Bachelor of Science degree in 1977. After graduating, he built a fulfilling career as Director of Respiratory Therapy at Heritage Valley Health System while also teaching emergency medical response courses at local community colleges. David developed an interest in healthcare quality improvement, completing extracurricular training to further the efficiency and outcomes of Heritage Valley Health System.

In 1996, he sustained a spinal cord injury after which he transitioned into a new position as a Clinical Analyst, continuing until his retirement in 2017. He excelled in this role while committing himself to the continuing education involved. Unsurprisingly, he earned certification as a Six Sigma Black Belt - a prestigious recognition of expertise and leadership in healthcare quality improvement.

On October 22, 1977, David married the love of his life, Cynthia Louise Church, in Ligonier, Pennsylvania. Together they built an admirable legacy, and raised two children, Emily and Paul, and later Elizabeth Sparks, a foster daughter. David was a devoted husband and parent who instilled his positive attitude into not only his children, but all those who crossed his path. He was a true partner to Cindy, and together, they gracefully navigated life's joys and hardships while exuding love, kindness, and loyalty.

David had an infectious joie de vivre. He was known for his warm, friendly and accepting nature, which drew people to him, inspiring new and unexpected relationships. David had a sharp wit and never lacked for a good story or memory to share, especially over a Belgian or craft beer.

David loved the outdoors; earlier in his life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, cross-country skiing, and camping. After his spinal cord injury, David continued to hike and fish from his wheelchair, and captain his adapted pontoon boat. David also had an artistic side and was quite the photographer, even learning how to develop his photos in a dark room. Later in life he found great joy in learning how to brew his own beer with his son.

David touched countless lives through his kindness, wisdom, generosity, and humor. He welcomed those who were alone or less fortunate into his family. He continuously approached life with enthusiasm, positivity, and determination while demonstrating the values of courage, resilience, gratitude, and family,

David is survived by his beloved wife Cindy of nearly 48 years; children Emily, Paul (Rebekah), Elizabeth (Keith); grandchildren Elijah, Olive, Margaret, Juliet, and Eloise; sibling William (Patricia); and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Saint John's Episcopal Church, 3673 Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC 29455.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the following organizations supporting causes that were close to David's heart: Save the Music Foundation (www.savethemusic.org), Coastal Conservation League (www.coastalconservationleague.org), Charleston County Parks Foundation (https://www.ccprc.com/3700/Honor-Memorial-Giving), or your local volunteer fire department.

David's love lives on in all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.