David W. Daris

DALLAS — It is with deepest sorrow that we share that David W. Daris, 80, of Dallas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and best friend to many, passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, after a years-long battle with Alzheimer's.

Born in Auburn, Maine, he was the son of the late David J. and Doris (Feyler) Daris.

David was a graduate of Chamberlain High School in Tampa, Fla. After beginning his career in the restaurant industry in the Bahamas and in Florida, he spent many years in the newspaper business, which would eventually bring him to Northeastern Pennsylvania and The Times Leader. He was involved in nearly every aspect of the paper, including circulation, production and HR, and for years managed the minority training program through the former Capital Cities Communications, visiting schools across the country to recruit journalism students. David reinvented himself again when he went into commercial real estate sales, for Mertz and then for Mericle Commercial Real Estate, from which he retired in 2018.

David was a member of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. He was also a member of the Harveys Lake Yacht Club, where he served as commodore for two years. He loved spending evenings at the lake with friends and family, and toasting the sunset with Sambuca. Dave was a member of Ducks Unlimited, and former chair of the annual fundraising dinner. He was an avid hunter, and enjoyed annual outings with the same group of friends, although for many years was accused of being a "conscientious objector" who just enjoyed hanging out with the guys, due to his lack of trophies. David was a charter member of the Loyal Order of Buffalo, charter herd #001. He and his fellow Buffalo enjoyed many a fine gathering of food and fellowship, frequently at Ruckno's Pond. He was a founding member of the Pocono Northeast Triathlon Association, and drove the lead vehicle ahead of the bikers every year of the Wilkes-Barre Triathlon. He loved claiming that he came in first every year!

David loved entertaining. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed teaching others his craft. He enjoyed water sports of all kinds, including water skiing, sailing and boating. He was also a great downhill skier, teaching many of his children at a young age. David was a great storyteller and loved to make others laugh. David especially enjoyed being a cheerleader for his children. Whether on the sidelines of a soccer game or encouraging them for a new job, he always made an effort to be present for his kids.

In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his son, David Wesley Daris.

Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Lisa; children: Denise Evans (Clark), Kimberly Allison, Stephanie Haggard, D.J. Daris, Edward Daris (Haley) and Megan Stratton (Jordan); 10 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Sept. 9, at noon from St. Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. The Rev. Timothy Alleman will serve as officiant. Friends may call from 11 a.m. until time of service at the church.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Stephen's Episcopal Pro-Cathedral, to the SPCA of Luzerne County, from where he adopted his beloved dog, Rocky, or to the Alzheimer's Association, to help find a cure.

Arrangements by Harold C. Snowdon Funeral Home, Inc., Shavertown.