David William Kaley, 72, of Lebanon, a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2026, at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center.
Born on Feb. 23, 1954, in Lebanon, PA, David was the youngest son of the late Russell E. and Elizabeth M. (Frazier) Kaley. He graduated from Lebanon Catholic High School in 1972, where he played football, baseball, and basketball for the Beavers.
After high school, David started working as a welder at the Lebanon Steel Foundry until its closure. He then moved up the ranks at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility from 1991 to 2017, where he was known to many as “Sarge.” Retiring as a prison sergeant, he fulfilled a successful career of over 25 years where he made many long-lasting relationships. “Sarge” was well respected among the inmates, even after their time served, because of his “firm, but fair” approach with them.
He was a dedicated family man who took great pride in providing for his household and teaching his children the values of hard work, integrity, faith, and always putting family first. In his spare time, David was an avid golfer and motorcyclist, enjoyed traveling to Cross Fork, Potter County, camping with lifelong friends and their families, and taking annual trips to the shore in Wildwood, NJ.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Kathy (née Clements); children, David, of Lebanon, Christopher (Sierra), of Lebanon, and Brian (Jasmin), of Lebanon; grandchildren, Dante, Christian, Nyle, Vera, and Josephine; sister, Patricia A. Kaley, of Annville; and grand-puppies, Barkley and Leo. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joanne M. Fies; and brother, Thomas M. Kaley.
Viewing will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, from 6-8 p.m., at Thompson Funeral Home Inc., 126 S. Ninth St., Lebanon, PA. An additional viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m. with a traditional funeral service following at the same location on Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. A burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Lebanon, PA.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Compassus, 2101 Oregon Pike, Suite 301, Lancaster, PA 17601, or Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center. The family welcomes your memories and messages in Thompson Funeral Home’s online guest book at thompsonfuneralhomelebanon.com.
