David Hetrick

David L Hetrick, 78, went home to his Lord on July 30, 2025, following a brave struggle with glioblastoma. He was born in Erie, the first child of the late Leland P. and Marian Cooper Hetrick. He was a small man with big personality and leaves behind a legacy where he touched the lives of many.
David was a fine musician, but his true talent lay in teaching. He never said no to a child who wanted to learn music. He taught at Fairview High School, JS Wilson, Walnut Creek, Belle Valley, Chestnut Hill and McDowell High School in Millcreek Township, and as adjunct faculty at Penn State Erie. While at Fairview, David was instrumental in bringing the marching arts to Erie and hosting the first Marching Band competition in the area. His marching bands were highly competitive, often taking top honors. During his tenure at McDowell, his orchestra twice played the stage at Carnegie Hall, and the Wind Ensemble played the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, providing students with once in a lifetime experiences. His jazz band was his pride and joy at McDowell, where they competed against other high schools and colleges, often taking the top score. At the urging of students, the Jazz Band became an honors class because of the difficulty of the music they were required to master. In addition, David directed the Wind Ensemble at GEYSO, expanding the small starter group to an expansive program consisting of three levels boasting over one hundred students. The top group twice toured Europe performing concerts in Venice, Sienna and Rome in Italy, Prague, Czech Republic and Vienna and Salzburg in Austria. David, along with close friends, Chuck Lute and the late John Marszalek, created the Jazz Erie All Stars, providing an outlet for the best local jazz students to learn and grow in their craft. This group was accepted to play at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux, Switzerland, taking the stage along with some of the world's top jazz musicians. He mentored countless private students over his lifetime right up to his diagnosis in May. After his retirement, he volunteered his time and talents to establish a band program at St. James School, starting over thirty elementary students on various instruments.
David was blessed with a large family where he prided himself on attending all his grandchildren's events, of which there were many. Holidays and family gatherings were large and loud, and he loved them.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Emily Reynolds Bostwick and his sister Sharon Hetrick Roemer.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Sue McArthur Hetrick; three daughters: Jennifer Trott (Matthew), Laurie Huya (Wayne), and Keri Gilson (Keith); stepdaughter, Kate McCullough (Ross); sixteen grandchildren: Caden Gilson (Mackenzie), Chelsie Cooney (Kevin), Kayla Gilson, Sean Mitchell, Seth Mitchell, Joey Gilson, Cece Gilson, Steven Trott, Garrett Trott, Meghann Huya, Madyson Huya, Isabella Bostwick, Iris Bostwick, Elijah Bostwick, Aria McCullough and Austin McCullough; siblings: Richard Hetrick (Mary) and Linda Miller (Dan); and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the Hospice Team from Community Nursing Services of North East, who guided them through the last 8 weeks, allowing David his wish to pass in the comfort of his home and enjoy family and visitors throughout his journey. Also, to all the many colleagues, friends and students who found time to visit or send cards or letters during his illness. He truly felt loved.
Family and friends may call at the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Rd.) on Tuesday, August 5th, from 3 PM to 7:30 PM and are invited to participate in an open jam session honoring David following visitation. Any musician wanting to participate needs only to bring their instrument. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 6th at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 2635 Buffalo Road, at 10:30 AM. For those unable to attend the funeral, it will be streamed on the St. James RC Church Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St, James Roman Catholic Church, 2635 Buffalo Road, Erie, PA 16510. Condolences may be offered at www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.