1605 Rockland St
Reading, Pennsylvania
Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, following a stroke two days earlier.
A funeral service will be held on May 13, 2017, at Bean Funeral Home, 1605 Rockland St., Reading, PA, and he will be laid to rest next to his mother and father.
David was born October 18, 1938, in Reading, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Saint Joseph's University in 1960, he served in the U.S. Army as a public information officer and then worked for President Lyndon Johnson.
Following his public service career, he was hired by Mr. Stanley Marcus as an executive trainee at Neiman Marcus in Dallas, Texas. Quick to learn and a natural leader, he managed couture and was later known for having directed the highly acclaimed Neiman Marcus fur division and
seasonal catalogs during the 70s and 80s.
He subsequently consulted for such clients as Italian couturier Renato Balestra, Holt Renfew, Stanley Korshak, and the Danish fur company Birger Christensen. During his retail career, he traveled around the world, including the former Soviet Union to buy sables for Neiman Marcus. There, he encountered many prominent Russians
including Breznev and Andropov.
Also, David co-hosted The Store, a movie about Neiman Marcus, made public appearances on CBS news and The Today Show, and he was featured on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous during one of his jaunts to the former Soviet Union.
As a noted art collector, he enjoyed amassing a highly
acclaimed modern and contemporary art collection, which is currently being donated to his alma mater, Saint Joseph's University. His hope was that his collection will inspire
students to "make art part of their life."
Other than art, friends, and family, the other greatest sources of joy in his life were his beloved French bulldogs, Hugo Boss, and the late Dinky.
David is survived by his partner of 27 years, Bjorgvin Berndsen, and two cousins in Reading, Pennsylvania, Paul and Donna Lerch, their son and daughter, Scott and Sherry Lerch and their children.
Additionally, he had very close friendships and extended family with Dr. Nils Nielsen of Denmark, Gregory Coyle of Florida, and Steven Coyle of Washington, D.C.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by A Friend, sweet Pe.
Boyd McEwen
March 7, 2023
Pure energy, pure passion for life and his pursuits, generous friendship, a rapid mind, a friend of friends, a believer in people, and a problem solver are just a very few thoughts that come to mind about David. His friendship was real, and he wanted all who would be his friend to see the world as he did; with awe and splendor. I learned so much from him in the 80's that shaped me and my wife's view of the world, and on life in general as a young couple starting out. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
Boyd McEwen
ROBBINS FAMILY
April 18, 2018
MAY YOUR FAMILY CONTINUE TO KEEP IN YOUR HEARTS THE LOVE AND STRENGTH OF LOSING YOUR LOVE ONE.
Dala Rowntree
September 1, 2017
Knew David for a short time and have wonderful memories of his friendship. My deepest sympathy.
David Steven Coyle.jpg
Steven Coyle
July 9, 2017
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David Wolfe
July 9, 2017
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Greg Coyle
July 9, 2017
Greg David Nils, Alaska
Greg Coyle
July 9, 2017
Gary Miller
May 8, 2017
You will always have a special place in my heart. Sorry you had to go, you will be missed.
Michael Collins
May 6, 2017
I first met Mr. Wolfe in 1985 and was fortunate to have had a professional relationship (working closely with and for him) as well as a close friendship. He was a shrewd businessman that could "sell ice cubes to an Eskimo" even while being "busy as a one armed paper hanger". His greatest traits were his generosity, honesty, graciousness,and passion for life (to name a few). You are greatly missed, yet many wonderful memories always makes me smile. Condolences to Nils, Rocky, and Greg.
Bon Voyage Mr. W
Michael Collins
Laura Carpenter
May 5, 2017
Goodbye David, I will miss you forever. We certainly made some great memories. Rocky, Niels, and Gregory - thank you for making David's life complete.
May 4, 2017
Goodbye David,
You will be sadly missed at our dinner gatherings, but remembered by our group of friends here in Copenhagen,
Kim.
Steven Avitable
April 30, 2017
David was instrumental in many people's lives. He was a mentor to so many in their careers. To his friends, his generosity knew no bounds. He shared his love of life, travel, adventure and art with all. He will be missed but his memory will be with a smile.
Marian Smith
April 30, 2017
Rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon you.
Kim Balsillie
April 30, 2017
Kim Balsillie
April 30, 2017
Kim Balsillie
April 30, 2017
Don Lehrman
April 30, 2017
Good By David
So sorry to see you go, you will be missed by all those who know you.You were always kind and friendly.A person who thought about many and cared for all.
TILL WE MEET AGAIN DONALD LEHRMAN
Lisa Isreal
April 30, 2017
Sorry for your loss Sherry
Fran Sparks-Fuller
April 30, 2017
What a wonderful genuine man! I loved David. He will be missed.
David Morgan
April 24, 2017
I've lost one of my lifetime best friends
Rest in piece, David. I'll miss you the rest of my life
Love,
David Morgan
Norma Minnis
April 24, 2017
David was one of the most interesting people I ever knew. Always had an interesting story to tell. He will be missed.
Linda Hunn
April 24, 2017
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. David was an amazing person. We will miss him. Linda and Alan Hunn
Randy Lerch
April 24, 2017
Peace be with you cousin
Neal stewart
April 23, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Neal and Alan
April 23, 2017
May God's loving kindness and comfort help you and your family through this very sad time Psalms 29:11
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Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. - Hampden Heights1605 Rockland St, Reading, PA 19604
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Bean Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Inc. - Hampden Heights1605 Rockland St, Reading, PA 19604
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