P. David Walker

P. David Walker, age 78, died at home on February 7, 2025 in Carlisle PA.

David was born on October 16,1946 in Gap, PA (which he referred to as “the wilds of Lancaster County”). He was named Peter David Walker, but was always known as David or Dave. He graduated from Pequea Valley High School and Lebanon Valley College. David worked at several local radio stations, most notably WITF, where he worked for 35 years until his retirement, and where he was the soothing voice of afternoon classical music.

David was quite active in the local arts scene. He was a sound designer at Open Stage and Theatre Harrisburg. He was also a noted choral director, having started that career directing the Unisingers (the Unitarian Church of Harrisburg’s choir). He founded and directed the Hummelstown Community Singers. He served as Artistic Director for the Harrisburg Gay Men’s Chorus from 2004-2012. He was one of the founding members of the River City Singers, and was its co-director from 2017 until his final concert in December 2024.

David was a gifted musician, playing piano and keyboards, as well as writing, arranging and orchestrating music. Several of his pieces have been published. He was a lover of Ragtime music. He composed his own rags, and arranged other rags for 4 hands (two people) - piano pieces that were too difficult for many 2 handed players!

David’s other love was Broadway. Most recently he was enthralled with Suffs, a recent award winning musical. He was working on a choral arrangement of one of the songs from that show for the upper voices of the River City Singers, at the time of his death.

David was also a dedicated volunteer, most notably at the LGBT Center of Central PA. And in the late hours of the evening you could be guaranteed that he would be watching an old movie, including the silent ones.

David is survived by his sister, Beckie Castor (Philip) of Kinzers, PA. Also surviving are a host of his chosen family and friends, especially Laura (Sparkie) Radcliffe of Boiling Springs, and Donna Hoskins-Helm of Harrisburg.

He was predeceased by Jack Veasey, his partner of 38 years, his parents Peter S. and Ann M. Walker, and his brother William Walker.

Memorial contributions can be made to the River City Singers (5901 Fox Street, Harrisburg PA 17112), and/or the LGBT Center of Central PA (1323 N. Front St., Harrisburg PA 17102). In addition, attend a performance of any of the local performing arts programs in David’s honor - and many of them are free!