David J. “Pops” Pchola, 72, of Newmanstown, PA, passed from this world into the heavenly kingdom on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, after a short stay at Alpine Valley Post Acute and Healthcare Center, Lebanon.
He was greeted at the heavenly gates by his beloved wife, the love of his life, Bonita J. (Stolz) Pchola, who preceded him in death on Oct. 23, 2005. Pops and Bonnie were married in 1974 and were married for almost 32 years. David attributed his knowledge of, love for, and relationship with Jesus Christ to Bonnie, for which he was eternally grateful.
Born in Edwardsville, PA, on Feb. 23, 1953, he was a son of the late Bernadine A. (Geguzis) Pchola Shutter and Paul J. Pchola and raised by Edward H. Shutter.
David graduated from Wilson High School in 1971 and Pennsylvania Gunsmith School in 1973. He was a member of God’s Eternal Truth Church, Womelsdorf. David was employed as a superintendent at Spring Township Sewer Department for almost 40 years, from which he retired in 2013.
Those who knew David knew his true heart. He was a man of few words, but his smile and generous hugs said everything you needed to know. As an avid outdoorsman and lifetime supporter of the NRA, he found his greatest joy in family retreats at the family cabin in Shunk, PA. Whether he was on the shores fishing at Bearwallow Pond or Tadpole Hole, teaching his daughters and grandkids how to cast a rod, or listening to the laughter as they spent the day swimming at their favorite spots, and taking drives on dirt roads to get ice cream, David found delight in being close to those he loved most and friends that were more like family. He lived his life by the simple belief that family comes first, and he showed us all how to rejoice in the gift of a close-knit family. Together, we had everything that mattered in this life. When not out enjoying the outdoors, David loved his fresh cup of coffee, especially when it led to a conversation about politics, or really bad jokes, which he gladly shared with anyone who would listen. He was never shy about seeking a laugh or a smile out of those around him. Always the family teddy bear, protector, and passionate leader, David was everything we could have ever wanted in a father, Pops, and friend.
David is survived by his daughters, Amy, wife of DJ Eckman, of West Cocalico, Emily Pchola, of Newmanstown, and Katie, wife of Ryan Miller, of Fredericksburg; grandchildren, Nathan, husband of Emily Eckman, Erin Eckman, Huntter Honeycutt, and Miles Miller; great-grandson, Jackson Eckman; brother, Edward H. Jr., husband of Melissa Shutter, of Reinholds; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul J. Pchola.
Services and inurnment will be private.
Grose Funeral Home, Myerstown, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
