David George Funka

Local insurance agent, zoning officer, church member, avid motorcycle enthusiast. David G. Funka, 79, died on March 18, 2012 at CentraState Hospital, in Freehold, New Jersey, after suffering a heart attack. He was born on May 2, 1932 in Houston, PA, son of the late George Funka and Anna Pirozak Funka. He graduated from Chartiers High school in 1950 and worked for Somerville Farm Equipment Company before and after serving with the US Army 1953 - 1955 in Fort Knox, Kentucky. He married Theresa Desmond Funka of Washington on November 17, 1952, who survives. In 1957 he opened the Nationwide Insurance Agency on Jefferson Ave. in Washington, PA. Although he officially retired in 1997, he was not inclined to slow down and continued to work with his partner Gary Jasper until July 2011, when illness required him to relocate to New Jersey to be close to his daughter. Dave loved the city of Washington and served as Zoning Officer for 46 years, from 1964 to 2010. He was also a long time member of the Tylerdale Civic Betterment League. A devout Christian, he was a member of The Christian Church of North America (CCNA) for most of his adult life, serving on the Board of Trustees for many years. Dave was an enthusiastic motorcyclist and, until a few short years ago, would often be seen with his wife, Theresa, on their bike around town. He was an active member in the Christian Bikers Association and Retreads, an organization for bikers over 50. In addition to his wife Theresa, David is survived by one daughter Cynthia (Gareth) Funka-Lea of Cranbury NJ, and four grandchildren Morgan, Madeline, Evan and Imogen Lea of Cranbury NJ. He is also survived by two nephews, Tim Malone of Bethel Park, PA and Shawn Malone of Philadelphia, PA. His sister, Kathleen Malone of Bethel Park, PA is deceased. Friends and family will be received on Thursday, March 22, 2012, from 12 to 2 p.m., in the William G. Neal Funeral Homes, 925 Allison Ave, Washington. Services and burial will be private and held at the convenience of the family.