David C. Lipke

David Charles Lipke, age 84, of Richland Twp., Gibsonia, went home to be with his Heavenly Father-the God he loved and faithfully served on February 22, 2026, following a courageous six-year battle with cancer and congestive heart failure.

David was born on January 15, 1942, in Bellevue, Pennsylvania, to Shannon Edward Lipke Sr. and Claire Marie (Jonnet) Lipke of Ben Avon, PA. He now rejoices in heaven with his parents; his brothers, Shannon Edward Lipke Jr. of Coraopolis and John Joseph Lipke of Butler, PA.

He is lovingly survived by his wife of 48 years, Jeraldine (Powell) "Jerry" Lipke; his sons, Daniel T. Lipke of Binfield, England, and Joshua David Lipke (Stefanie) of Gibsonia, PA; and his treasured grandsons, Maximilian David Lipke and Christopher Alexander Lipke of Binfield, England. Dave's heartfelt desire was that his sons, daughter-in-law, and grandsons would carry on his legacy of defending the truth and walking faithfully with the Lord.

Dave was a devoted follower and servant of Jesus Christ and a longtime member of Orchard Hill Church in Wexford. He was deeply grateful to be part of a small group that provided friendship, encouragement, and spiritual growth for more than 30 years.

David graduated from Avonworth High School in 1961. He attended the College of William & Mary on a football scholarship and later earned his Bachelor of Biblical Studies from Columbia International University in 1967. He received his Master of Divinity in 1975 from the Biblical School of Theology in Hatfield, PA. His ministry included serving as a Bible teacher at Suburban Bible School, Inc. (1971–1972) and being ordained by Northgate Bible Baptist Church of Pittsburgh in 1981. While his children attended Eden Christian Academy, Dave served faithfully on the school board from 1990 to 1997.

While attending seminary, David worked alongside his best friend Don Saber at Saber Tree Service. He later devoted 20 years as Assistant Executive Director of Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), a youth ministry serving Pittsburgh's North Side. During that time, he founded Boy Scout Troop #678 and served as its Scoutmaster. In 1982, Dave became the interim pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church in Cranberry Township, PA, and he guest-spoke at churches throughout the Pittsburgh tri-state area. After Y.O.U. closed, he worked for eight years as manager of Loafers Bread Company in Wexford, PA. Dave eventually retired after 20 years at Home Depot, where he served as a department head and enjoyed assisting-and getting to know-members of the Allison Park and Gibsonia communities.

In addition to being a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Dave's greatest joy was encouraging his family to trust God and pursue their God-given talents and dreams. He loved sports (especially football), hunting, fishing, model rockets and airplanes, and working in the yard alongside his beloved wife, Jerry. Above all, Dave cherished reading the Bible and the many books in his personal library that deepened and challenged his walk with the Lord. Teaching the Word of God was one of his greatest gifts and passions. Dave was passionate about sharing God's faithfulness and wanted others to know that the same loving, faithful God who guided him throughout his life is available to them as well. The Lipke family banner was "Jehovah Jireh"-God Provides. Dave's final words he wished to be remembered by were: "Jesus loves me. I love Jesus. I love the Trinity." His final message to his wife was one of enduring faith: God will be there for you, and you can trust Him until we meet again in heaven.

Though Dave will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, his family and friends rejoice in the assurance that he is now in his eternal home, fully healed and in the presence of his Savior.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Passavant Hospital, Family Hospice (UPMC), Heyl Family Medical Associates, and the many UPMC doctors and staff who were truly angels sent by God to care for David through his many challenges. Their professionalism, compassion, and exceptional care will never be forgotten.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at McDonald-Aeberli Funeral Home, Inc. 238 Crowe Ave. Mars, PA 16046. Committal will be private after visitation. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to UPMC Passavant Hillman Cancer Center, UPMC Family Hospice, Seven Fields, PA or Orchard Hill Church, Wexford, PA.