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David Plank Obituary
David William Plank, 91, passed away
Sunday, March 11, at Berkshire Commons in Reading, Pa.
He was born in Elverson, Pa., on March 6, 1927, to David K. Plank and Hannah Blanche (Roberts) Plank. He graduated from Birdsboro High School and attended West Chester College. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
Early in his career, Mr. Plank was a manager with Howard Johnson Inc. and Hershey Creamery. From 1959 to 1974, he was the owner and operator of a Mister Softee ice cream franchise in Winchester. During that time, he also worked for Gray & Eddy men's clothing. Following that, he worked in public relations for White Post Restorations.
While in Winchester, Mr. Plank was a founding member and first president of the Shenandoah Region AACA. He was also active in the Pottstown Region and the Model T Ford Club. In addition, he had been active in the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association and the Dickinson Theatre Organ Society. He was formerly an active choir member of both Alice Focht Memorial United Methodist Church and Market Street United Methodist Church.
Mr. Plank enjoyed and appreciated old friends and new friends, old cars, old toys and almost anything "Popeye." He enjoyed music, both listening to and playing, including any that you "put a nickel in."
Dave (Bill) was known as outgoing and gregarious. He was never shy about starting a conversation, whether with an old friend or someone he just met. He loved to tell his stories, some more embellished than others. He will be missed by loving family and friends.
Mr. Plank is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Jane (Leinbach) Plank; a daughter, Deborah P. Borsi; a granddaughter, Giovanna T. Borsi; and four step-granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by a brother, James L. Plank; and son-in-law, Guido H. Borsi.
A service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 16, at Dengler Funeral Home, 144 N. Spruce St., Birdsboro, PA 19508. Friends and family are welcomed to stay after the service for celebration and conversation.
Memorial contributions may be made to Macular Degeneration Research at BrightFocus.org" target="_new" rel="nofollow">BrightFocus.org or BrightFocus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Plank
The Holt Twins- Linda & Emily
November 20, 2022
Very sad to hear this- we loved his stories too including the ones about Patsy Kline- loved his humor too & how much he appreciated our music....miss you Davy!
Brad Dark
April 3, 2018
I grew up across the street from his grandmother Della. I have may fond memories of her and his visits to see her. Bill certainly had good stories. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Cathy Coffman
March 17, 2018
We had the pleasure and privilege of getting to know "Bill" through renting his log cabin adjacent to French Creek State Park. He did not want to rent to anyone with kids or dogs, but we had a two-year old and a Rottweiler, and after he met both he changed his mind, that's how kind he was. He liked raiding my frig for leftovers (I loved that) and always checked in on me while my husband was traveling. God bless him.....he was truly one of a kind; someone you never forge.
Donna(Kissling) Haas
March 16, 2018
Bill was my neighbor growing up and my brother's-Garth-best friend. Lots of laughter driving to and fro the Hay Creek Festivals, the breakfast chats, etc. I'm truly going to miss that....
Gary DuBrueler
March 14, 2018
Debbie, sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Thoughts and Prayers for you and your family.
Phyllis Hummel
March 14, 2018
Davey is a cherished friend and fellow Hay Creek member. I will never forget his stories about Patsy Cline, or how much he appreciated my music. Rest in peace, old friend.
Craig Rimby
March 14, 2018
Bill was my father's best friend from high school and a friend to our family ever since. He was kind, fun, engaging, entertaining, interesting, and a faithful friend. I'm happy to have known him.
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Funeral services provided by:
Dengler-Sowers Funeral Home & Crematory, LLC144 North Spruce Street, Birdsboro, PA 19508
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