David Joseph Arrington

1971 - 2021

David Joseph Arrington, Jr., 50, of Big Run, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.
He was born in Jeannette on Oct. 27, 1971, a son of David Joseph Arrington, Sr. and Berneda Louise (Getsko) Arrington. His parents survive and reside in Montgomery, Texas.
He fell in love at first sight, and on June 14, 1996, he married the love of his life, Karen Anne Mitstifer. She survives and resides in Big Run.
Mr. Arrington served in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1993.
Dave worked as a family resource specialist for Justice Works Family Services.
He had previously worked as a paramedic for Amserv LTD Dusan Ambulance and Jefferson County EMS. He volunteered his service as fire police to Big Run Volunteer Fire Company.
Dave had a huge, kind and loving heart for everyone he ever met. He was an amazing man everyone could go to and talk with. He was a great listener; he consoled the broken-hearted and always encouraged others to see the good in themselves.
His door was always open to anyone and especially kids that needed a place to stay. He went out of his way to make sure that people had whatever they needed, including in his line of work.
He and his wife, Karen, fostered many children over the years, and most remained a permanent part of their lives through adoption or just the loving bonds that were created.
Halloween was Dave's favorite time of the year; he and the family always hosted the best spooktacular event in Big Run.
In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his stepson, Dayton Root and wife Theresa of Phillipsburg; son Perry Arrington and Shawntal Eger of DuBois; adopted son Gage Arrington of Big Run and fiancé Clairissa Gallo; foster sons Gage Aiello and Gerald Overbeck of Big Run; grandchildren Alisha and Emily and Archer Arrington; one sister, Wendy Battaglia and husband Paul of Montgomery, Texas; in-laws Dayton Wayne Mitstifer and Carol Jean Mitstifer of Liberty; brother-in-law Michael Mitstifer and wife Deb of Middle Berry Center; sister in-law Paula Kay Phillips and husband Harold of Morris; nieces Bella, Ellie and Samantha; nephews Luke and Dale; and many cousins.
Friends will be received from noon until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Big Run, and from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021, at the First Church of God, 23 Skyview Drive, Punxsutawney.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, officiated by Pastor Rob Van Fossen.
Memorial donations may be made to the family or to Big Run Volunteer Fire Company.
Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com.