DAVID MATTHEW VAN DOREN

VAN DOREN DAVID MATTHEW

The world lost an incredible, free spirit on June 29, 2018 when David Matthew Van Doren, age 50, of Lancaster Twp., tragically was killed in a motorcycle accident.  David was born September 29, 1967 in Trenton, MI. He was the son of Marlene Wagner and the late N. Richard Van Doren. The family moved to Latrobe, PA, when David was a toddler and he graduated from Greater Latrobe High School in 1985. Following graduation from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, David proudly served in the US Army for eight years where he was deployed to Desert Storm, Korea, and Germany. David lived life out loud and in color. He collected friends wherever he went and never met a stranger. He was passionate in everything he did. His greatest passion was his wife and partner, Heather Sweesy, who truly was the yin to his yang. They shared many experiences, including travel to England, Germany, Italy, and throughout the United States. They particularly loved their several cruises with their superfan friends of Big Head Todd and the Monsters. Dave chronicled all their adventures in thousands of photographs that he shared online through social media. His restaurant, hotel and wine reviews were legendary. David was an avid pilot and a member of the Condor Aero Club of Zelienople. He enjoyed flying and taking friends and family for flights showing off his beloved hometown of Pittsburgh. He loved cheering on the Pittsburgh Penguins, listening to and playing music, and spending time outdoors. He would always entertain family, friends and coworkers, with tales of his exploits. David had a story for every occasion and made even the mundane an adventure. In his quiet time, he enjoyed carpentry, reading history and current events, and spending time with his dogs, Ringles, Frankie and Pennie. He spent countless hours working to make Van Sweesy Estates a beautiful home for himself and Heather. David was a MQ Middleware Officer at Dollar Bank and had worked in the IT field since returning from the Army. He supported several small businesses with their computer needs and developed websites for nonprofits where he volunteered. While he frequently fought with his technology, Dave was always able to resolve any problems he encountered. Recently, he enthusiastically volunteered with Homes for Our Troops, a charity that raises money to build modified homes for disabled post-9/11 veterans. In addition to his wife, Heather, David leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Derek Brooks and Jessica Gorman; his mother, Marlene (Vincent) Falvo; his brothers, Michael (Linda) Van Doren and Jeffrey (Maureen) Van Doren; his nieces, Allison and Erica; and dozens of close friends throughout the country. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered. Friends will be received from 1 p.m. until the time of a memorial service to celebrate David's life at 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, July 15, 2018 at the American Legion Post 474, 308 W. New Castle St., Zelienople, PA, 16063, with the Rev. Clifford Buell, officiating. Following the service, the family will host a reception from 3-7 p.m. at the American Legion, where he was a member. In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted for the family and to make a memorial donation in memory of Dave in the coming weeks. Expressions of sympathy may be shared at boylanfuneralservices.com