THOMAS

DAVID FRANCIS

Of Peters Township, age 75, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

As many of you know, Dave was a true Renaissance Man, not defined by any one aspect of his life. Dave worked in the insurance business for over 50 years, owning his own brokerage firm for more than 30. His clients and colleagues describe him as high-integrity and people-oriented, with a great attention for detail. What he loved most about the insurance business, however, was that it provided him with the flexibility and resources to lead the life he loved through sailing, skiing, golf, photography, woodworking, homebuilding, landscaping, history and travel.

He was an infectious, lifelong student of history, and travelled extensively to learn more about the world firsthand. His travels took him to six continents and 46 states. In addition to history, he loved classical music. He passed this love on to his daughters as he taught them about the music behind movies and cartoons. This love was founded on his work with WDUQ radio during his college days in the '70s. His time at the radio station gave him the opportunity to provide pieces to NPR, including interviews with Joseph Heller and Dick Thornburg. The radio station also introduced him to his wife of 48 years, Jean; Dave always said it was longer, he added in the three years of dating before the wedding. Their most memorable early date was an expedition to interview the pilot of the Goodyear blimp for the radio.

When he realized the financial rewards of radio were not going to provide him with a life he wanted, he entered the insurance business at the recommendation of his father. The business gave him plenty of time for his second love: skiing. He started skiing at the age of 47 because he wanted to share a sport with his daughters and wife. The family graduated from skiing at Wisp to going out to Aspen for every spring break. Hiking the Highland Bowl with his friend Wayne was a favorite memory of his. After retirement, Dave and Jean drove to Park City to join friends, and then on to Aspen for a total of six weeks of skiing every winter. During his battle with pancreatic cancer this year, Dave liked to tell people that he skied 48 days in 2024.

Any story about Dave would not be complete without talking about sailing, which he took up as an adult. During his sailing career, Dave owned five boats, at first single hulls, the largest being 27 feet. Since this was far before his own kids, he entertained many of his friend's children on the boat. Perhaps his biggest adventure was a trip from Annapolis to Block Island, then down the Hudson River and around the Statue of Liberty. On the way back, the boat was struck by lightning and lost all power. As a result, he and his boat mate navigated back to Annapolis the old fashioned way- with maps and guesses! When the girls were in college, he discovered the joy of the Hobie Cat and met the wonderful group of friends at Watts Bay in Moraine State Park.

Dave loved the game of golf as well. He played several times a week with friends and clients. He had a handicap of ten, according to his friend, John, and one year he was the champion of Valley Brook's Tournament!

Let's not forget about his photography. Dave began documenting the family's travels, but when the girls entered middle school, he started taking team photos at Ellis during the girls' games. This quickly expanded to photos of theater performances and art festivals. He was the official volunteer photographer for the school for over six years, and many of his photos still hang in the hallways there.

Many of those reading this will not forget how, when called upon to help, Dave would take on any home improvement project and not quit until completed properly.

This only touches a small part of who Dave was as a person. We could go on about his many hobbies and his love of family and friends, but that would need volumes. He is most loved and will be missed profoundly.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife, B. Jean Ferketish; his children, A. Mallory Thomas and E. Anna Thomas; his sister, Sandra T. Grove; and his in-laws, Beth O'Donnell, Cathy Malencia and Mark Ferketish. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Marion (Wetzel) Thomas.

Friends and family are welcomed to BEINHAUER FUNERAL HOME, 2828 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317, on Saturday, May 2, from 2-4 P.M. and 6-8 P.M. A celebration of life service will be held at Old St. Luke's Church, 330 Old Washington Pike, Carnegie, PA 15106, Sunday, May 3, at 10:30 A.M. Please meet at church.

Memorial gifts can be made in Dave's memory to The Ellis School, 6425 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 or online at https://www.theellisschool.org/make-a-gift.