David M. Schirm, Jr.

March 16, 1931 - February 7, 2025

State College, Pennsylvania - David "Dave" M. Schirm, Jr., 93, most recently of The Village at Penn State in State College, PA, and the Village of Fenney in The Villages, FL, passed away on Friday, February 7, 2025. Dave is survived by his daughter, Julie Schirm; his brothers, Dale Schirm and Richard Schirm; and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was born March 16, 1931, in Alexandria, PA, to Beatrice (Burkett) and David M. Schirm, Sr. He is preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Annabelle Keppel, Janet Peterson, and Martha Silknitter; and his infant brother, Leonard Schirm. Dave was united in marriage to Marjorie "Marge" Dalzell in 1963 on Long Island, NY, who preceded him in death after 52 years of marriage.

Dave was a graduate of Juniata Valley High School (Go Hornets!) and a member of their first football team in 1948. He graduated from Lock Haven State Teacher's College (now University), and the Pennsylvania State University College of Education (We Are!). Dave was a proud Veteran who served in the U.S. Army. While stationed in the Munich, Germany area in 1952, he participated in a special audience for US military personnel with Pope Pius XII in Rome, and a visit from General Dwight Eisenhower to his military base. Dave was a life member of the American Legion Post #0520 in Alexandria, PA and a many decade member of the Elks #212 in Tyrone, PA.

Dave was passionate about education and taught History and Social Studies in the Lindenhurst, Long Island, NY and various New Jersey school systems. Later in his career, Dave was employed by the Morris County NJ court system as a Probation Officer from which he retired in 1990. In addition, Dave was an avid sports fan and supporter. His knowledge of history, geography, and all things sports, in particular Penn State, was evident in any conversation. He enjoyed meeting new people and identifying shared life experience connections. Many referred to him as a "walking history and sports database" because of his vast knowledge of history and sports statistics he'd share. Dave enjoyed supporting all Penn State sports. He was a multi-year football season ticket holder and attended many post season Bowl games to root on his Nittany Lions. He also enjoyed soaking up the warm, sunny weather as a Florida snowbird. Dave was an avid gardener and known to plant numerous flowers and vegetables. He was always in pursuit of the perfect soup or stew recipe and kept extensive handwritten notes of his findings. Dave was a puzzle enthusiast and spent hours at the puzzle table and also designed several puzzle boards for his building at the Village at Penn State.

A celebration of Dave's life will be held in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in his name to the Nittany Lion Club Levi Lamb Fund to support student athletes (https://gopsusports.com/levi-lamb-fund) or plant a tree(s) in his memory in the location of your choice (https://shop.alivingtribute.org/pages/plant-a-tree-by-state-or-region). An online guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.kochfuneralhome.com.