2820 Washington Road
McMurray, Pennsylvania
It is with great sorrow–yet humble gratitude for the time granted together–that we announce the unexpected passing of our most-beloved husband, father and grandfather, David Allen Gaab. Dave, of McMurray, passed away suddenly on April 5, 2023 in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Dave was the beloved husband of Mary Kathryn "Kathy" (Thiemann) Gaab; devoted dad, of Jessica (the late Patrick) Bole, Adam (Sara) Gaab, and Justin Gaab; adoring Grampi, of Makenzie Bole, Ryan Gaab, Brayden Gaab, and Peyton Gaab; loving brother, of Richard (Sue Ellen) Gaab, Tim (Debbie) Gaab, Karen (Toby) DeBause, and the late Jan (Ron, surviving) Kachuriak; also beloved, Christopher Manley; caring brother-in-law, of Dennis (Amber) Thiemann, and the late Carol (the late Jack) Strott; dear son-in-law, of the late Edward and Doris Thiemann. Dave is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends–he loved them all.
He was born on November 28, 1952 at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, the first-born child of the late William and Arlene Ohlrich Gaab, who preceded him.
A 1970 graduate of Bethel Park High School, Dave then went on to earn a bachelor's degree from Edinboro University, which is where he also found the love of his life, Kathy, with whom he married in 1976. They were blessed with 46 wonderful years together living, loving and building a life together. Together Forever.
Dave began his career as a science teacher at Peters Township Middle School. He later used his social and science skills to start a pharmaceutical sales career with Novartis Pharmaceutical (formerly Sandoz), during which he earned numerous awards and recognition as a senior oncology specialist in the hospital and medical liaison divisions. After 40 years, he retired in 2018.
In his earlier years, Dave taught Sunday school at Thomas Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed bible studies and learning God's word; and he and Kathy led marriage classes together. Dave loved people. He went on to become a Stephen Minister in hopes of reaching out to others through God's love.
Dave enjoyed all sports and although very humble, he excelled at all of them. His greatest memory was playing catcher in a championship game for Bethel Park at Forbes Field! He LOVED the Steelers and was an avid fan, always looking forward to game days!
He enjoyed shooting, golfing, fishing, cooking, and spent countless hours maintaining his and Kathy's rural property. He even started a small vineyard. Dave's other outdoor activities included his yearly camp trip with the Boro friends, they went every year for 27 years. He couldn't wait to go. He and Kathy loved to take road trips. It didn't matter where, as long as they were together. They especially loved their trips to Erie, Fernandina Beach, and Orlando!
Most of all, Dave's greatest love was his family. Going to every event his kids were in during high school and college–from baseball, football, volleyball, theater, swimming, hockey, and even serving as President of the Quarterback Club–he was always there supporting and encouraging them. And he was thrilled to do the same for his grandchildren.
Dave was a selfless, humble, and true success of a man. He was a friend to many, the rock to his family, and a blessing to all who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed.
Arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends and family welcome from 2 to 4 and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 17 at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 15317, 724-941-3211, A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 11 a.m. Waterdam Church, 208 Galley Rd, Canonsburg, 15317 "everyone please meet at church". Private burial with the immediate family to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Dave's name to Waterdam Church https://waterdam.org/ or Thomas Presbyterian Church https://thomaspres.org/. Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Betty Dourlain
May 1, 2023
Great memories of such a great family!! Loved my years teaching the Gaab kids in first grade at PV!
Bill Wilson
April 22, 2023
Kathy,
I am sorry to read this news about Dave. You and your family and held up in my prayers. Sending to you our sincerest condolences. Godspeed.
Bill and Sandy Wilson
David Dudics
April 20, 2023
Dear Kathy,
I´m so sorry for your loss.
David Dudics
Rick Ray
April 18, 2023
Our deepest sympathies to Kathy and family. David and I started with Sandoz together in August 1979. David was my room mate in training . David was a true gentleman and a Brother in Christ. We came from similar background in education and David was always a gentle giant in helping people in our work. David was my friend and I will see him again in heaven. Our love and prayers to Kathy and the family. Rick and Prema Ray
Mark and Beth Pifer
April 17, 2023
How young we were at the "farm"in Edinboro! Such wonderful memories of you and Dave. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Love you.
Deb Drennen
April 17, 2023
My sincere sympathy for the family as you grieve the loss of this special man in your lives. Dave was a good friend of mine in years gone by. May God offer you comfort as you celebrate his life!
Bob Pikelis
April 16, 2023
So glad I got a chance to see you once again at the High School reunion, Dave. I remember the fun times we had in high school and we ran into each other on the road during our sales calls. RIP my friend
Michael Finley
April 16, 2023
Thankful that I had a couple laughs with him the last 2 reunion events. We always had a good relationship during our school years. May God Bless him on his Journey to the Spirit World
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Funeral services provided by:
Beinhauer Family Funeral Homes - Peters Township - McMurray2820 Washington Road 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317
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