Surrounded by his loved ones, David Andrew O’Herrick passed away on January 19, 2023 at the age of 69. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life’s challenges with a smile. Despite the obstacles, David was a true inspiration to all and stayed strong until the end.
David lived for his daughters – Jennie O’Herrick, Rochelle O’Herrick Kott (Andrew) and Alexa O’Herrick, who will miss their father every minute of every single day for the rest of their lives. He is also survived by his beloved grandson, Theo, as well as father James, brothers Larry (Patricia) and Frank, and many nieces and nephews. He was the biggest animal lover and adored the family pets – Lulu, Bailey, Gracie and Binx. His family is taking comfort in knowing that he has been reunited with his adoring mother, Mary Eunice, brothers James and Ronald, and sister Cindy, who all preceded him in death.
David was born on December 27, 1953 in Johnstown, PA, with his family ultimately settling in the Lansdale area in 1961. Going back to Johnstown to visit family and friends was something he did often and truly loved. In his youth he’d stir up mischief with his cousins and in his later years he enjoyed quieter pastimes like fishing. As a student at North Penn High School, he was an accomplished wrestler and with a degree in computer science from Gwynedd Mercy College, he was adept at building computers and complex systems. He was employed for many years at Moore Products, eventually moving onto Merck Sharp and Dohme as an instrument technician.
He enjoyed countless getaways at his family retreat (“the barn”) near Raystown Lake in South-Central, PA, where days were filled with swimming, boating, water skiing, camping, family reunions and various other adventures. Back at home, David spent his time supporting his daughters with all the sports they were involved in – even coaching many of their softball and soccer teams. Each fall he spent his Friday nights with friends watching North Penn Football games and as a proud American he supported causes that helped veterans. He was a master storyteller, with a crowd favorite being his rendition of the legend of Becky’s Grave and he had a deep passion for WWII documentaries and science fiction programs.
He could often be found relaxing on his sofa snacking on peanut butter with Rochelle or watching Jersey Shore marathons with Alexa and her friends or enjoying casino trips with Jennie.
David did everything for his daughters while they were growing up and when he went into kidney failure and needed a transplant it was time for his daughters to take care of him. They all were tested, but it was only his best bud Rochelle who proved to be a match. She ultimately donated a kidney to him in 2017. This gift of life gave David 5+ extra years of memories, love, laughs, and happiness.
During this bonus time, he got to be there when Jennie bought her first home, he was able to watch Alexa thrive in her career, and he got to experience his dream of becoming a grandfather when Rochelle and Andrew welcomed Theo.
The family’s transplant experience over the years was chronicled by the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and in 2019 an advertising campaign was developed around their story – culminating in a Superbowl commercial. David was the most selfless person that ever walked this earth and through sharing his experience and shining a light on the live organ donation cause, he was able to help many other families like his get more time with their loved ones.
He was THE BEST dad and gave the best advice and had the best one-liners. Everyone who met him loved him and he will be remembered for his kind, gentle soul.
Friends and family are welcome to join in celebrating the life of the man, the myth, the legend – the one and only, Dave O’Herrick. Services will be held at Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church, 51 Lansdale Avenue in Lansdale, PA 19446 on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Family will receive friends from 9:30–10:30am, followed by Mass and burial as well as a luncheon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the ASPCA or Gift Of Life.
My heart goes out to Jennie, Rochelle and Alexa. I know how proud he was of all of you. He was so loved and will be missed. Love all of you!!
Mr. O’Herrick (as he will always be to me) was a wonderful person who put up with all of Jennie’s friends in middle school as we had countless sleepovers and playing in the pool. I have so many amazing memories from that time. I’m sending so much love to Jennie, Rochelle, Alexa and the whole family for this tremendous loss. He was so loved.