David C. Priester

David C. Priester, 71, of Pleasant Gap, passed away at home, surrounded by his family, on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Born on March 7, 1950, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the son of the late Lloyd and Arlene (Bochert) Priester. He was married to his beloved wife, Trina (Karl) Priester, who survives at home after sharing nearly 28 years of marriage together. 

David graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1972. During the summer of 1971, David traveled with the Clyde Beatty Cole Brothers Circus – playing in the band and driving a truck. He started out in Massachusetts and traveled to Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Kentucky. David graduated with his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in 1972. He taught music classes from 1972 until 1975. In 1975, with a full music scholarship, plus living stipend, he received his master’s degree plus 60 credits from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Additionally, while in school in Indiana, he played with the Ringling Brothers Circus. David taught at various schools over the years: 1977 until 1980 at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, California, 1980 until 1982 at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, Kentucky, 1982 until 1987 at Altoona Area High School, and in 1987, he taught music classes at various schools, all in Kentucky. He then went to trucking school for his CDL Driving License and drove all over from 1992 until 1999 and taught at the Clearfield County Career & Technology Center. From 1999 until 2021, David finally finished out his career at the Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science & Technology as the lead instructor for the Commercial Driving License Program.  

In addition to his wife, Trina, he is survived by their daughter, Anna Priester, of Pittsburgh. Also surviving are two brothers, James, and Donald, both of Ohio, a sister, Mary Sue (Richarardo) of South Carolina, step-brother, Melvin, of Maryland, and numerous nieces and nephews. 

David was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in State College. Over the years, he played in several bands and orchestras, and sang in the church choir. Though there were far too many accomplishments to his wonderfully intriguing life, a few of the highlights that he was most proud of were being the band director for a road opening that George H.W. Bush attended, and David was able to meet and take a photo with him, when he played in a Tommy Dorsey band and was a towel boy for Dizzy Gillespie.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service held on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at 2pm, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Avenue, State College, with Pastor Greg Milinovich officiating. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sherry Ankney and 365 Hospice for the exceptional care that they provided to David.