David W. "Rough" Lersch

David W. Lersch, age 91, of Eighty Four, PA, passed away December 28, 2025. Dave spent his lifetime as a Contractor, retiring as partner of Lerco Construction, that was established with his son, Dan Lersch.

Dave was born on May 11, 1934, and lived in Whitehall, PA. He enjoyed playing football in high school, and for his no-nonsense play, his nickname in the yearbook was "Rough". He took his hard work ethic from playing football and carried it throughout his career. Performance mattered, and he became a master carpenter, building on his skills and work ethic. Dave also loved motorcycles and participated in Enduro racing in his spare time.

Dave and Lois (Schenecker) Lersch were married on October 5th, 1955, moving to Eighty Four, PA in 1969 and raising their 4 children. Moving to the country was a dream come true. After a hard day of construction, he enjoyed restoring and updating his Victorian home, raising animals, plowing fields, and baling hay.

Dave was also an avid hunter. Earlier in life he hunted with friends and eventually with his sons, David and Dale. There were several trips out west where he brought home elk and mule deer. Hunting season was talked about all year from the time the season finished to planning the for the next season.

On December 26, 1986, he married Phyllis Sacks Lersch. Throughout the years, Dave and Phyllis experienced adventures that would be cherished over their lifetime. Through their love for each other and their love of horseback riding, Phyllis and Dave traveled extensively with their horses, making great friends and making wonderful memories.

Dave was known for his great work ethic and his love of the outdoors. Dave's family has very fond memories of camping trips with extended family and friends. He and Phyllis always had a very active social calendar and made so many friends throughout the years. These friends, along with family, provided great fulfillment in their lives. They shared their love of horses with their children and grandchildren, having great rides from home, with a stop for lunch at their favorite restaurant "The Springhouse" and treating the family to beautiful horseback rides at a ranch in the Allegheny Mountains.

Surviving are his wife, Phyllis Sacks Lersch and children, David L. (Lynne) Lersch of Waterford, CT, Daniel C. Lersch of Eighty Four, PA, Laura A. (Steve) Hutter of Cecil, PA and Dale R. (Suzanne) Lersch of Penn Hills, PA. Also surviving are his 6 grandchildren, Kyle D. (Emily) Lersch, Brittany L. (Adam) Mudrick, David K. (Kate) Pierce, Taylor R. Hutter, Dillon Lersch and Ethan Lersch. Also surviving are his 7 great grandchildren, sister Ruth (Lersch) Shaw of Lancaster, PA, brother-in-law Ian (Debbie) Sacks of Beaver Creek, CO. He was preceded in death by his sister, Joan (Lersch) Calhan, parents Louis and Rhoda (Ninness) Lersch, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Alvin and Sylvia Sacks. He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews who have wonderful memories of visiting the farm.

Private celebration of life will be held on May 3, 2026 for family and friends.