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David Pfahler
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David J. Pfahler
David J. Pfahler, 65, of Allentown, passed away in his home on Wednesday, June 27, 2012. Dave was the husband of Marlene Ambrogio and they would have celebrated their 42nd anniversary this coming August. Born in Allentown, Dave was a son of the late Arnold J. and Veronica T. (Fuisz) Pfahler. Dave graduated from Our Lady Help of Christians grade school where he led his CYO team to an undefeated 35-0 season and captured the Mid-Atlantic States Championship. He then attended Allentown Central Catholic High School where he was the first Viking to surpass the 1000 career point mark, and at one time held the leading scorer title. He helped the team to the PCIAA State Championship and the East Penn League Championship. He was awarded two All-State Awards in 1965. Dave then attended St. Josephs University in Philadelphia graduating in 1969 with a BA in Marketing. While at St. Josephs he was a Varsity Letterman, and was on the MAC Championship and Big Five Championship teams. He did his post graduate studies at Alvernia College. His career began as a Teacher and Head Basketball coach at Reading Central Catholic High School from 1969-73, then in the same capacity at Allentown Central Catholic High School from 1973-77. He worked as a supervisor for Mack Trucks Inc in Allentown from 1977-82. Changing fields Dave worked for Readers Digest/QSP as a Field Sales Manager from 1983-2011. While at Readers Digest he received numerous awards in the field of school and organizational fundraising. He was the 1988 National Field Manager of the Year, was a member of the Presidents Club, and received the Lighthouse Awards. In 1979 Dave received the CCHS Basketball Hall of Fame Award; in 1982 the Lehigh Valley Basketball Hall of Fame Award; and in 1993 was inducted into the CCHS Rockne Hall Wall of Fame. Dave was an avid golfer at Moselem Springs Golf Club, he enjoyed gardening, traveling, and skiing. He was a member of the Allentown Jaycees for 14 years. Survivors: Surviving with his wife Marlene are brothers, Michael J. and his wife Leslie of Las Vegas, NV, and Joseph D. and his wife Margaret of Fredericksburg, VA; sisters, Mary Ann Esch of Telford, and Ann wife of Scott Grim of Allentown. Dave is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Services: Services will be on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at 12 noon in the ODonnell Funeral Home, 908 Hanover Ave., Allentown. A gathering of family and friends will be on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

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Published in Morning Call from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2012.
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76 entries
July 23, 2012
Marlene,
What wonderful memories I have from the time Dave and I spent at Sullivan Hall. He took me under his wing and introduced me to the ways of Hawk Hill while inflicting a few bruises that I still have, not from practice but from one on one games that we had playing on the hoop attached to the garage behind Sullivan Hall. I thank him for so many good memories not the bruises. I will always have a place in my heart for Dave.
Mike Hauer
July 23, 2012
Marlene,
I just learned of Dave,s passing and wanted to offer my sympathies. I enjoyed my time with Dave playing basketball at St. Joe's as he was a great competitor and teammate. I know he will be missed but well remembered.
Dan Kelly
July 19, 2012
To the Pfahler Family,
I lived on the same dorm floor with Dave at St. Joe's back in the 60's, and always remembered his friendliness and sense of humor. I had the occassion to meet Phil Martelli, the current SJU Coach, some time back, and he recalled that as an eager young man and St Joe's fan, he had met Dave and gotten his autograph! Dave certainly touched many people who remember him fondly, even from many years ago.
Dr. Vince Leoni
July 11, 2012
Dear Marlene and Family,
Sincerest sympathy to you at this sad time. David was a classmate of mine at ACCHS, Class of 1965 ; he was a wonderful guy with a great smile and an awesome skill for basketball. May you have strength and peace.
Susan ( Kraynick ) Wolf
July 8, 2012
Marlene,
Stunned is the only word that comes to mind...Dave's untimely departure has us absolutely floored!
We smile when we recall the two of you having such fun on the boat trip in Switzerland. We always looked forward to seeing you both at meetings and on trips.
We send our condolences, our love, and our prayers. His absence will be overwhelming for all who knew him.
Cort & Jan Hillman
Cort & Jan Hillman
July 8, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to the Pfahler family. I knew Dave from OLHC and then on to CCHS where my husband first met him. He will be remembered in our prayers and we are sure he is watching over his family. Christine Borath Mika and Jim Mika
July 7, 2012
Dear Pfahler family,

I had the honor of working with Dave through QSP @ Orefield Middle School. I know how much you all ment to him and how much you must be missing him. He spoke of his family fondly & often. He was so proud of you all. He will be greatly missed. I hope he got to retire and have some fun with you. My son just graduated High School so that would have been about 4 or 5 yrs ago when he was talking about retiring.
God Bless you and watch over you as I know Dave will be.

Denise Jones
July 7, 2012
marlene, I enjoyed playing basketball with dave. He was good friend and a good person. I spent much time with dave playing pool at his house and other activities.It was a pleasure to know dave. I will miss him.
len kalata
July 6, 2012
Marlene,
My sincere sympathy to you and your family. Dave set examples with his performance in sales and unselfishly helped our sales team. He was a leader in every aspect of his life. I miss you Dave!
Bob Broderick
July 5, 2012
Dear Marlene:
Deepest condolences. Dave--an outstanding guy in all his endeavors. He'll be truly missed by all.
Cecelia Ebbo-Kemmerer
CCHS '66
July 5, 2012
Dear Marlene and to all the Pfahler family. We were so surprised to hear of Dave's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dan & Linda
Dan & Linda Hall
July 5, 2012
As a member at Moselem Springs Golf Club for the past 15 years, I had the privilege to know Dave a bit by either playing or practicing together. We talked about the Big Five days (he, a Hawk player; me, a Wildcat publicist), our improved golf games and our determination to play our best despite injury and pain. It's a shock to me that he is gone, but I know Dave as a gentle and nice soul with a competitive streak. I miss him already,
and would like to know if there is a charity or cause to contribute in his memory. My sorrow and deepest condolences to family.
Sincerely, Ted Wolff
July 4, 2012
Marlene, It's a terrible shock to learn of Dave's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Phillips
July 3, 2012
Dear Marlene,

You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dave always had time for a smile. I am lucky to have been able to get to know him with the QSP work. A gentleman always,he will be remembered always,
Kathy & Bob Griffiths
July 3, 2012
We will all miss Dave. I have some wonderful memories growing up, skiing with both Dave & Marlene which I will never forget. Dave was a great person, a real one of a kind. I'm very saddened by his passing, and even though I haven't seen him in a while, I'll miss him very much. From my family to yours Marlene, we send you much love.
Michael Hoffman
July 3, 2012
Dear Marlene and Family,
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Dave's passing. He was a great guy that made our CCHS days so memorable.
Please accept out deepest sympathy. Our prayers are with you.
Ron and Linda (Sovecka) Rajki
July 3, 2012
Marlene and Pfahler family,
So sorry to hear about Dave. I am in Ohio visiting parents or would be there to pay respects personally. 25 years together at QSP and countless summer golf trips with the guys. The "big Guy" will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jack Driscoll
July 3, 2012
To the family of Dave Pfahler,

You have my deepest sympathy. Dave was a class guy and wonderful person. I worked with him at QSP for many years and appreciated his quiet dignity; he will be missed by many. You are in my prayers.
Wally Andrew
July 3, 2012
Dave was a true East Side/Irving Park legend and always a true gentleman. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
ray roche
July 3, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Greg Loeser QSP
July 3, 2012
To the Pfahler family, We send our deepest sympathy to you all at this very sad time. We were saddened to hear about Dave. Growing up at OLHC & on the East side, and at CCHS our lives were always touched by your family. We will keep Dave in our prayers along with Marlene, Maryann & the rest of the family.
Joe & Joanne (Sass) Geist
July 3, 2012
Marlene,
We were very saddened to hear of Dave's passing. Joe had fond memories of teaching and coaching with Dave as well as seeing him every year at the fundraiser assembly at RCC. You and your family are in our thought.
Joe and Dolores Murphy
July 3, 2012
Was very sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I didn't know Dave well but having been with QSP for 24 years our paths did cross from time to time. I will include him and the family in my prayers at Mass this weekend.

Dan Strohmeyer
July 2, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Pfahler family. Spent much time at Pfahler home and Irving St park with Dave. We were competitors in basketball and friends. Many fond memories.
Bob Riedy
July 2, 2012
Dear Marlene and to all the Pfahler Family,
We were so surprised to hear of Dave's passing. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We know he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
George Snyder
July 2, 2012
Dear Dave,
You and I grew up together. I am heart broken about your untimely death. I cheered your way to VICTORY I hope you know. Dear Pfahler Family I think you know how wonderful he was I am so very
sorry to learn of his death! My deepest condolences!!KATHLEEN M (STERNER) BAPTISTE (a classmate and hopefully a friend from grade school and high school).
July 2, 2012
Joe, Maryann, Ann, and Mike: My deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother.
Maryellen Piccerillo
July 2, 2012
Marlene,
Sending sincere sympathy to you and the extended Pfahler family in this time of sadness. You could never have a better friend than Dave. He had a combination of class and caring that was exceptional. He faced everything as the winner he was.
Denny Martin
July 2, 2012
Marlene,

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing and wanted to exend my sincere condolences to you and your family.
Lou Kropf
July 2, 2012
Marlene - I had the pleasure to work with Dave and enjoy his company while a recent car ride to meetings in Pittsburgh. He also was very helpful to me in handing over his devoted clients upon retirement.

Please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of such a great person who was full of class and integrity.
Doug Mostrom
July 2, 2012
Marlene,

Our deepest sympathy in your loss.

May you find comfort in the happy memories.

Hugs to you!

Dorothy Bloom and friends at the Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County office.
July 2, 2012
Marlene,
Our deepest synpathy to you and the entire Phaler family. Dave was a Basketball legend. Fond memories of great games and dances at CCHS. He was a great guy and will be truly missed.
Joe and Marianne(Herrity) Ehritz
July 2, 2012
Dear Ann & Family
I am so sorry to hear of your brother Dave's passing. I remember when the two of us had him as a teacher in Acounting at C.C.H.S. Please know my thoughts & prayers are with you in this most difficult time.
Cindy Pandl- Allentown, Pa
July 2, 2012
I am so sorry to hear of this loss. I knew Mr. Pfahler from the golf club where I worked, and he was a wonderful person. I know he was surrounded by loving family and friends. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Missy Everett
July 2, 2012
Mrs. Pfahler I knew Dave though our magazine sales at Notre Dame High School. I worked with him for many years and always knew if I had a problem he would be there for me. I missed him as our Rep for the
magazines when he retired. My prayers are with you and your family.
Natalie Schumacher
July 2, 2012
Dear Marlene and family ,
I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing .Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers . You have many wonderful memories that you will cherish forever .
Kathy Zellin
July 2, 2012
To The Pfahler family,

I wish you comfort during these difficult days and also that God speed you the peace to hold on to all the good memories and let them give you solace in the days to come. Dave certainly did the lehigh valley proud in all that he touched. We were blessed that he left such a wonderful legacy of hard work and sound values.CCHS forever to remember him in all those atlelets that follow. Mike, I send you a special hug and hopefully will get to see you soon.

Love
Dinelle Wolfe(friend of Mike and Leslie)
dinelle wolfe
July 2, 2012
Please accept my condolences on David's passing. I worked with his brother Mike and new David through work also. My prayers are for his family.
July 2, 2012
Mike, Leslie, and Marlene,

I got to know Dave through the Allentown Jaycees and my many years of involvement with the LARC/VIA Basketball Tournament. Dave always had a very positive attitude and was interested in you as a person. He always took the time to talk to you whenever you had the opportunity to meet up with him. Although my associations with Dave were limited, I am glad to have met Dave and to get to know him. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Enos Martin
July 2, 2012
Marlene,
I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. I enjoyed the many conversations we had that always seemed to get side-tracked from our work and onto some of the memories we had of the near 40 years we worked together.
God bless,
Bill Tielman
July 2, 2012
Marlene and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dave. He was a true gentleman and role model for all of us underclassmen at CCHS. Rest easy knowing Dave is in a much better place.
Jerry Monahan
July 2, 2012
Dear Marlene, Mike and Joe
It is with sorrow tahat I read about Dave. He was a friend from my early years on the east side and at OLHC and a better friend in later years when we played together and also against each other. He was a great ball player and a good friend. My deepest sympathies.
Tony Ebner
July 2, 2012
Our deepest sympathies toDave's family. He really was a great guy.
tom Lebish
July 1, 2012
So sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Although I haven't seen Dave since high school I will always remember his smiling face and kind spirit. He was a truely remarkable athlete but more importantly a great person. You will all be in my prayers.
Barbara Gerhart (Nemeth,Class of '65)
July 1, 2012
Our deepest condolences to you. Many good memories of Dave from cchs and st. Joes. He was a great example to us all.
ron rajki
July 1, 2012
Mar,
My sincerest sympathies to you and your entire family. Dave was not only an outstanding teammate but a life long friend. He will truly be missed.

Tom Herrity
July 1, 2012
Marlene: My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Dave was a great athelete and an even better person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gene Cavallucci and family, CCHS '65
July 1, 2012
My deepest sympathies to your family, from the Kochis family (former St.Stephen's RCC members and neighbors of the Vinces). May Our Lord comfort and bless you.
Ernie Kochis
July 1, 2012
Marlene:
I was shocked and sad to hear of Dave's passing. Dave was quite a player, especially to an impressionable CYO 6th grader. However, at CCHS I had the opportunity to play with him and he was the heart of the team and a solid guy. Nothing but good memories about Dave. From his obit, it appears he was successful in all his life endeavors. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Rico Caggiano, CCHS'67, Naples FL
July 1, 2012
Godspeed, Dave. So sad to lose such a great friend and a truly wonderful person.
Brian McClafferty
July 1, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Ted Carls
July 1, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rich Deutsch
July 1, 2012
God bless you Dave
July 1, 2012
Mar,
The entire Chomik family feels for your loss. Our children knew Dave and enjoyed his company.
We will be here for you.
Mike Chomik
July 1, 2012
I remember when he played for my cousin Mike Koury, at Central, and as a young kid from Easton, never missed a game. He was one of Mike's favorites....May he Rest in Eternal Peace.
Stephen Constantine
July 1, 2012
Dear Marlene,
Your husband was my 12th gr. business math teacher at RCCHS and I had the pleasure of seeing him again when he worked for Readers Digest. He was a kind man and you have my deepest sympathy.
Elsa Benincasa
July 1, 2012
Dear Marlene and Family,
My condolences go out to all of you, and I should say I believe we're all
better people because of Dave's positive influence.
The most important lesson that I learned from Dave was that if you want to
win, you always have to be prepared to make your best shot every day.
Dave always led by example. He was kind hearted, very positive and
always quick with a joke and a smile.
These are the attributes of the True Champion that Dave will always be.
Tim McCormick
June 30, 2012
Please except our deepest condolences. Marlene, Dave was such a kind thoughtful man..We didnt see him much but when we did we enjoyed talking to him and you of course..Again so sorry for your loss..
Joann and Robert George
June 30, 2012
Marlene,

I was so surprised and sorry to hear about Dave's passing. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you both in my prayers. Dave was one of the best people I knew.
Veronica D'Annibale
June 30, 2012
Marlene, Sorry I didn't know you better, but at Irving Park I met Dave and spent many hours playing hoops, so much so he was in my wedding in1967. Many fond memories.came back. Way too soon.
Jeff Starr
June 30, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stewart Werley
June 30, 2012
Dear Marlene,
With sadness, I just read about Dave's passing. Although we haven't met for quite some time, we worked together on your projects for years and I always remember what a truly good guy he was.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Sincerely, Teddy Weibel
Teddy Weibel
June 30, 2012
Marlene, My deepest sympathy on the lost of your husband. I remember you speaking of him often. You clearly had the deepest kind of love for him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Carol Conley
June 30, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
June 30, 2012
Rest in peace Dave. Remembering you from CCHS class of 65!
Cindy Henke-Marx
June 30, 2012
Marlene & Family,
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of such a beloved friend for so many years. He had so many wonderful accomplishments to remember and cherish. We will miss him.
He will always be looking over you.
Call us anytime for support.
God Bless, Tony & Joanie Zoppi
June 30, 2012
Marlene,
Both you and Dave are in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere condolences.

Gretchen Hafner McKernan
Gretchen Hafner McKernan
June 30, 2012
THINKING OF YOU AND DAVID TODAY, KNOWING YOU HAD A GREAT FULL LIFE TOGETHER, ENJOYING EACH OTHER IN MANY WAYS. BLESS YOU BOTH....BOB AND BRENA PRICE
BRENDA PRICE
June 30, 2012
Dear Marlene- our sincerest sympathy to you & your family. Linda & Larry Worsham
June 30, 2012
To Dave's Family. I was Dave's class
mate at CCHS. He was an inspiration to our class. His leadership on the court, and in life touched many who followed. Never heard him brag. He and Len Kalata gave us the thrill of a lifetime against Pittsburg South Hills, a double overtime win after starting the 4th quarter 10points behind.
Be assured I will offer a Mass for Dave tomorrow here in Manila, the Philippines.
Fr Bob McConaghy
June 30, 2012
To the family of Dave Pfahler, with a special prayer for Maryann. My sincere sympathy, & deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved husband, brother, brother-in-law. My all those pleasent, & wonderful memories you all hold of Dave, sustain you in the coming weeks, & months ahead. Sincerely, Suzette Stravino (co-worker of Maryann)
suzette stravino
June 30, 2012
Dave will forever be in your heart and you in his. Our prayers to you, Marlene, that God will help you through this difficult time.
Janie & Jack Wetzel
June 30, 2012
Dear Ann and Family,
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. I remember meeting Dave when I transferred to CCHS and became friends with you and Scott. Dave was a legency in everything he did.

Jane, Mike, & Brett Gladfelter
Bunn, NC
Formerly of Allentown
June 30, 2012
Dear Pfahler Family,

Please accept my deepest sympathy.

Sincerely,
Diane Caldarelli Woodring
June 30, 2012
With Love to Aunt Marlene--I'm so fortunate to have had a great Uncle. We'll miss him so much. XOXO
Annie Lawrence
June 30, 2012
Marlene,
Our family sends it deepest sympathies.
David was a great cousin and a teriffic basketball player.I will always cherish the memories of growing up and playing b-ball with David,Michael and Joesph.
The get togethers at Hanover Avenue through the years and the many, many hours of time spent shooting pool and playing the pinball machines with all the kids are all special memories.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard Fuisz
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