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1936 David 2024

David M. Drozd

September 22, 1936 — October 17, 2024

David Matthew Drozd Sr., 88 of Munhall. The original “Pittsburgh Dad”.

David Matthew Drozd, Sr., born September 22, 1936 passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the age of 88 on October 17, 2024.

Dave was born in his childhood home on Alberta Street and was the oldest of six siblings. Throughout phases of his life, he moved to new homes; however, true to his roots and community, these homes were located just a mere few blocks apart as he remained a committed, lifelong resident of Munhall. And, remarkably, as a steadfast creature of habit, he continued throughout his life to lay his head on the same bed of which he was born.

Dave was a 1954 graduate of Munhall High School and a 1963 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. Upon college graduation, he immediately began his career for the United States Steel Homestead Works as a Metallurigic Observer, open hearth #4. He then went on to work many years as a General Foreman for Rail Transportation and finally the 45” Plate Mill. He ended his career with USS Homestead Works when it closed. Too young to retire and still with a young family, he extended his professional education to become a registered nurse, an accomplishment of which he was extremely proud. After working as an Administrator with the Allegheny Health Department, he finally retired at the age of 62.

Dave was a lifelong fixture in Munhall and committed to his neighbors and community. For many years, he coached in the Munhall Baseball League. And, from its inception, was a longtime member of the Thompson Club.

Dave’s passions included hunting, fishing and tubing down the creek with his family at their cottage in Slippery Rock, PA. He also relished the family vacations to the Outer Banks where he could surf fish and appreciate the locals. When his children were grown, and with more time on his hands, he taught himself to sail. He bought a small sailboat and frequented Lake Arthur, sporting the latest and greatest Nautica gear and boat shoes. Even his weekly trips to the bank became a bit of a “hobby”.

But, everyone knows that Dave, above and beyond all else, cherished time with his very large, extended and blended family. He was a committed patriarch of many siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. And with this great responsibility, he was sure to honor his Slovak Heritage, passing down many beloved family traditions. He proudly claimed the traditional Slovak Christmas Eve dinner as a culinary masterpiece and that honey on your forehead would guarantee marriage (and, more grandchildren for him!).

David was preceded in death by his parents, Deszu and Selma (Kazmierski) and his first wife Barbara. Barbara Ann (who passed away in 1980). He treasured the precious memories they shared while lovingly raising their five children.

David is survived by his wife of 41 years, Deanna K. Drozd. They built a long life together filled with love and unwavering companionship. David is also survived by his five siblings and eight children and stepchildren. As a father and stepfather, David embraced this as his greatest accomplishment.

His siblings include: Ilona Uhlinger (Cullan), Thomas (Barbara), Matthew (Joyce), Sally Yerk (Paul, deceased) and John (Karen) along with so many nieces and nephews.

His children and grandchildren include: Barbara Craycroft (Gordon), of Munhall, grandchildren, Ian, Diana and Audrey; Teresa Yost (Mike), of Huntington Beach, CA and grandchildren, Eddie and Joseph; Diane Edmunds (Jeff Falsetti), of South Park, and grandchildren David, Hayden (Nina), and step children Ashley (Curtis) and Jeffrey (Camila); David Drozd (Karen), of Punxsutawney, and grandchildren Midori and Ava; Jennifer Grahor (Lou) of McCandless, and grandchildren Alex and Laura.

His step-children and their children include: Jack Schweinberg (Becky) of Meridian, Idaho, children Kate and Jackson; David Schweinberg of Hamilton, Montana; Jason Schweinberg (Michelle) of Latrobe, children Jay, Ben, Sam, Patrick and Jaden.

Dave’s family was his world. He took great pride in telling everyone he knew about their many accomplishments. His grandchildren were his life’s ultimate reward and they will all relish sweet memories of sitting with Grandpa on his front porch swing on Crawford Street. His epic ghost stories and “Injun Joe” lore will live on forever....and, ever.

As his favorite singer, “Old Blue Eyes”, would say, “David did it his way!”

No condolences or sympathies are necessary. A “Celebration of Life” will be held on Saturday, November 30th.

To send flowers to the family in memory of David M. Drozd, please visit our flower store.

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