David C. Yuengling

In the months before his passing, David C. Yuengling, Orwigsburg, wanted to share with those who knew and loved him, or at least, liked him, an obituary that was relevant, uplifting and perhaps something that would bring a smile rather than a tear.

David approached his illness in the same way he approached his life, with a look on the bright side. (If you are a Monty Python fan, as David was, insert Always Look on the Bright Side of Life music here.)

And so, it has happened that David C. Yuengling, husband, brother, father, friend and servant of Christ, took his last earthly breath Tuesday, Oct. 18, surrounded by his loving family. He was 60.

He walked on the bright side, not the wild side.

David was born and raised in Pottsville, youngest son of Mary Jeanette "Jay" and Frederick G. "Fritz" Yuengling. He graduated from Pottsville Area High School and Dickinson College, Carlisle, St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, with an MBA and Penn State University Ice Cream certification program.

His education prepared him for what was to be part of a new and expanding career, computer science and information technology, a vocation he carried with him throughout his professional life.

David always walked on the bright side of life.

Through college, he worked in the family ice cream business. After graduating, he helped introduce computer technology to D.G. Yuengling & Sons Brewery, where he worked for a brief time under the direction and guidance of his Uncle Dick and cousin Richard.

Later, he established Yuengling Information Services, a custom software design company, offering business solutions. Over the years, he became a leading information technology practitioner, working as a senior system analyst, IT policy specialist, senior business analyst, operations chief and C-suite executive for companies such as Concurrent Technologies, the PA Historical and Museum Commission, and IBM.

David always walked on the right side of life.

He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Schuylkill County Council for the Arts and previously served on the boards of St. Joseph's Center for Special Learning and Servants to All. He was also a former member of the Leadership Council of United Presbyterian Church, of Pottsville, and many other local nonprofit organizations.

At a time when most would consider retiring, David and a partner took a leap of faith and reintroduced Yuengling's Premium Cream after a 35-year absence in the market. He became a frequent guest on network news programs as he represented his reemerging brand and his community with pride. He could be found up and down the East Coast scooping old favorites and new flavors for a new generation of ice cream lovers. He cherished the experience and was pleased that bringing back the family business gave him a deeper connection to his father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who for more than six decades operated the ice cream company.

And David always walked on the fun side of life.

He was close to many, having lifelong friendships from his childhood days on Howard Avenue, Yorkville School, D.H.H. Middle School, Pottsville Area High School, Dickinson College and beyond. He loved his friends, and his friends loved him.

Music was always an important part of David's life. He played the French horn and dabbled with other instruments. He loved music of all kinds, but in particular, classic rock of the late 1960s and 1970s and often enjoyed attending concerts featuring groups from that era.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by a sister, Gretchen Ann Testa.

Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was his 32-year marriage to his wife, Ellen (Bamford) Yuengling, and the active role he played in raising their three children, Kay (NYC), David (Orwigsburg) and Erika (Wisconsin). He took pride in their accomplishments and was always glad to proudly talk about their adventures, achievements and successes.

In addition to his wife and children, David is survived by brother, Frederick G. III (Lisa), Cressona; sister, Lisa Stephan (David), Florida; cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. David will be interred next to his parents in the family plot in Charles Baber Cemetery, Pottsville.

Some things in life are bad

They can really make you mad

Other things just make you swear and curse

When you're chewing on life's gristle

Don't grumble, give a whistle

And this'll help things turn out for the best

And

Always look on the bright side of life

Always look on the light side of life

De doo, de doo de doo de doo

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in David's memory be sent to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. Lord-Bixler Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at lordbixler.com.