David A. Yaple

David A. Yaple, age 84, of Erie, PA passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at home after a battle with cancer. He was a 1959 graduate of McDowell High School. David and his wife, Kimberly, were married 53 years. David loved life, seeing the glass as "running over the edges.” During his early years, he co-owned Yaple’s Dairy (founded by Ivan C. and Dewey H.) with his uncle Dewey for a time, then operated a Stop N’ Go convenience store where he and Kim first met. After their marriage, he worked in sales, from antiques and furniture to cars and pizza. David loved his family deeply and loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was actively involved in his local church, serving as a Sunday School teacher for several years and portraying James the Lesser in the church’s passion play. He enjoyed trips to the mountain cabin "Rocky Run” with family and hunting with cousins Gary and Scott Rogers where he "got everything he shot at.” He also loved cruising the 13-mile stretch around Presque Isle. At home he would often break out into song and had an artist's eye. David also loved riding his motorcycle into his 70s and driving any of his varied vehicles over the years. He retired from his many years as a Schwan's driver, but continued to drive even after that, delivering for Frontier Pharmacy to those who were home-bound. He enjoyed numerous enduring friendships, including but not limited to: David "Seitz" Seitzinger (one of 3 Davids that stayed connected after high school), Larry Bush, Dennis Pistone, Chuck Kimple, and the late Bill Wakeley. Born on July 16th, 1941 in Erie to the late Ivan and Nellie (Rogers) Yaple, he is preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Yaple, and survived by his wife: Kimberly (Kress); children: David (Charilyn) Yaple of Minneapolis, MN, Allyn Cymbl of Erie, PA, Kelly (David) Godzwa of Springfield, MO, Sky (Andrew) Chernauskas of Erie, PA and Micah (Julia) Yaple of Asheville, NC; grandchildren: Veronica Lee (Lauren Campbell), Victoria, Ivan and Speed Yaple, Rebekah (Luke) Balch, Joseph (Tatiana) Godzwa and Jonathan Godzwa, River, Violet and Jude Chernauskas, and Olive Yaple; great grandchildren: Elliot Campbell and Mabel Balch; sister: Polly (Chuck) Brown of Amory, MS; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held in July in Erie, PA at the convenience of the family. In David’s memory, contributions to Assemblies of God World Missionaries, David and Kelly Godzwa (https://giving.ag.org/donate/600001-269613), would be appreciated.

Private arrangements have been entrusted to Burton Quinn-Scott Cremation and Funeral Services, Downtown, 602 W. 10th St., Erie. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date and will be posted here.