Obituary for David Allen Gaab
David Allen Gaab
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
It is with great sorrow—yet humble gratitude for the time granted together—that we announce the unexpected passing of our most-beloved husband, father and grandfather, David Allen Gaab. Dave, of McMurray, passed away suddenly on April 5, 2023 in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Dave was the beloved husband of Mary Kathryn “Kathy” (Thiemann) Gaab; devoted dad of Jessica (the late Patrick) Bole, Adam (Sara) Gaab, and Justin Gaab; adoring Grampi of Makenzie Bole, Ryan Gaab, Brayden Gaab, and Peyton Gaab; loving brother of Richard (Sue Ellen) Gaab, Tim (Debbie) Gaab, Karen (Toby) DeBause, and the late Jan (Ron, surviving) Kachuriak; also beloved, Christopher Manley; caring brother-in-law of Dennis (Amber) Thiemann, and the late Carol (the late Jack) Strott; dear son-in-law of the late Edward and Doris Thiemann. Dave is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends—he loved them all.
He was born on November 28, 1952 at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, the first-born child of William and Arlene (Ohlrich) Gaab, who preceded him. A 1970 graduate of Bethel Park High School, Dave then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University—which is where he also found the love of his life, Kathy, with whom he married in 1976. They were blessed with 46 wonderful years together living, loving and building a life together. Together Forever.
Dave began his career as a science teacher at Peters Township Middle School. He later used his social and science skills to start a pharmaceutical sales career with Novartis Pharmaceutical (formerly Sandoz), during which he earned numerous awards and recognition as a senior oncology specialist in the hospital and medical liaison divisions. After 40 years, he retired in 2018.
In his earlier years, Dave taught Sunday school at Thomas Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed bible studies and learning God’s word; and he and Kathy led marriage classes together. Dave loved people. He went on to become a Stephen Minister in hopes of reaching out to others through God’s love.
Dave enjoyed all sports and although very humble, he excelled at all of them. His greatest memory was playing catcher in a championship game for Bethel Park at Forbes Field! He LOVED the Steelers and was an avid fan, always looking forward to game days!
He enjoyed shooting, golfing, fishing, cooking, and spent countless hours maintaining his and Kathy’s rural property. He even started a small vineyard. Dave’s other outdoor activities included his yearly camp trip with the Boro friends—they went every year for 27 years. He couldn’t wait to go. He and Kathy loved to take road trips. It didn’t matter where, as long as they were together. They especially loved their trips to Erie, Fernandina Beach, and Orlando!
Most of all, Dave’s greatest love was his family. Going to every event his kids were in during high school and college—from baseball, football, volleyball, theater, swimming, hockey, and even serving as President of the Quarterback Club—he was always there supporting and encouraging them. And he was thrilled to do the same for his grandchildren.
Dave was a selfless, humble, and true success of a man. He was a friend to many, the rock to his family, and a blessing to all who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed.
Arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends and family welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 15317, 724-941-3211, on Monday, April 17 from 2-4 & 5:30-7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 11am Waterdam Church, 208 Galley Rd, Canonsburg, 15317 (everyone please meet at church). Private burial with the immediate family to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Dave’s name to Waterdam Church (https://waterdam.org/) or Thomas Presbyterian Church (https://thomaspres.org/). Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.
A devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
It is with great sorrow—yet humble gratitude for the time granted together—that we announce the unexpected passing of our most-beloved husband, father and grandfather, David Allen Gaab. Dave, of McMurray, passed away suddenly on April 5, 2023 in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Dave was the beloved husband of Mary Kathryn “Kathy” (Thiemann) Gaab; devoted dad of Jessica (the late Patrick) Bole, Adam (Sara) Gaab, and Justin Gaab; adoring Grampi of Makenzie Bole, Ryan Gaab, Brayden Gaab, and Peyton Gaab; loving brother of Richard (Sue Ellen) Gaab, Tim (Debbie) Gaab, Karen (Toby) DeBause, and the late Jan (Ron, surviving) Kachuriak; also beloved, Christopher Manley; caring brother-in-law of Dennis (Amber) Thiemann, and the late Carol (the late Jack) Strott; dear son-in-law of the late Edward and Doris Thiemann. Dave is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends—he loved them all.
He was born on November 28, 1952 at Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, NC, the first-born child of William and Arlene (Ohlrich) Gaab, who preceded him. A 1970 graduate of Bethel Park High School, Dave then went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Edinboro University—which is where he also found the love of his life, Kathy, with whom he married in 1976. They were blessed with 46 wonderful years together living, loving and building a life together. Together Forever.
Dave began his career as a science teacher at Peters Township Middle School. He later used his social and science skills to start a pharmaceutical sales career with Novartis Pharmaceutical (formerly Sandoz), during which he earned numerous awards and recognition as a senior oncology specialist in the hospital and medical liaison divisions. After 40 years, he retired in 2018.
In his earlier years, Dave taught Sunday school at Thomas Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed bible studies and learning God’s word; and he and Kathy led marriage classes together. Dave loved people. He went on to become a Stephen Minister in hopes of reaching out to others through God’s love.
Dave enjoyed all sports and although very humble, he excelled at all of them. His greatest memory was playing catcher in a championship game for Bethel Park at Forbes Field! He LOVED the Steelers and was an avid fan, always looking forward to game days!
He enjoyed shooting, golfing, fishing, cooking, and spent countless hours maintaining his and Kathy’s rural property. He even started a small vineyard. Dave’s other outdoor activities included his yearly camp trip with the Boro friends—they went every year for 27 years. He couldn’t wait to go. He and Kathy loved to take road trips. It didn’t matter where, as long as they were together. They especially loved their trips to Erie, Fernandina Beach, and Orlando!
Most of all, Dave’s greatest love was his family. Going to every event his kids were in during high school and college—from baseball, football, volleyball, theater, swimming, hockey, and even serving as President of the Quarterback Club—he was always there supporting and encouraging them. And he was thrilled to do the same for his grandchildren.
Dave was a selfless, humble, and true success of a man. He was a friend to many, the rock to his family, and a blessing to all who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed.
Arrangements by BEINHAUERS. Friends and family welcome at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, 15317, 724-941-3211, on Monday, April 17 from 2-4 & 5:30-7:30 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 18 at 11am Waterdam Church, 208 Galley Rd, Canonsburg, 15317 (everyone please meet at church). Private burial with the immediate family to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Dave’s name to Waterdam Church (https://waterdam.org/) or Thomas Presbyterian Church (https://thomaspres.org/). Please add and view tributes at www.beinhauer.com.