Dave was one of my colleagues at Penn State Altoona, where he taught philosophy, ethics and other courses. He also served as a faculty senator and in other capacities. He was a member of the Penn State Altoona family for 30 years.
As many Rockpagers know, Dave was also an area musician. He sang, played guitar, ukulele and more. He was very knowledgeable about music, especially blues and roots music. I was privileged to see him perform various times over the years, at coffeehouses, open mics, and with band projects such as 9 Lb. Hammer and more. I just saw him perform on New Year's Eve with the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective in State College.
And more recently, I got to perform alongside him as a member of the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective and Allegheny Bilge Rats Shanty Choir.
I always enjoyed speaking with Dave. I learned a lot about music from him, and he also was knowledgeable about everything from Monty Python to professional wrestling. He will be sorely missed, in the campus community, the music scene and more.
I will be digging out some of his recorded music and paying homage to him on an upcoming edition of the "Homegrown Rocker."
My heartfelt sympathies go out to Dave's surviving family, the Penn State Altoona community, the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective, and his friends and associates.
Thanks for your friendship and guidance, Dave.
Here is a picture of Dave, taken on January 28, 2009 at Commonplace Coffeehouse near Penn State Altoona.
