David German Gifford

David German Gifford, 80, of Hanover, PA entered God’s Eternal Care, Saturday, June 2, 2018 at his home with his loving family by his side. 

Born August 22, 1937 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Roy W., M.D. and Elizabeth G. (German) Gifford.  David was the loving husband of Barbara Ann (Guckert) Gifford with whom he shared 25 years of marriage.

David grew up in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.  He was a graduate of Carson Long Military Academy in Bloomfield, Pennsylvania, where he earned his high school diploma.  David attended Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, where he obtained a B.A. in Education.

After graduating from college, David proudly served as a Tank Commander in the United States Army from 1959 to 1962.  He obtained the rank of First Lieutenant.

After the army, David worked as a history teacher for the Department of Defense in London, England and Tokyo, Japan.  During this time, David travelled the world extensively; he visited dozens and dozens of countries.

David later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Western Maryland College (now McDaniel College).  After obtaining his master’s degree, he worked as a guidance counselor at Westminster High School in Westminster, Maryland for 27 years.  David was a dedicated teacher and mentor, and was beloved by the thousands of students he worked with over the years.  He was very involved with American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS) and the foreign exchange students who came to attend Westminster High School.  He retired in 1999.

David was very interested in history, and was a walking encyclopedia when it came to the history of the Battle of Gettysburg.  He worked on and off for more than 50 years for the National Park Service as a historical interpretive park ranger at the Gettysburg National Military Park and the Eisenhower National Historic Site in Gettysburg.

David was a member of St. David’s United Church of Christ, Hanover, PA.  He started the ROMEO’s Club at Lutheran Village at Utz Terrace 12 years ago.

David was a die-hard Baltimore Orioles fan, and supported his O’s in good-times and bad-times.  David loved spending time with friends and family, and frequently invited them to his house for parties and cookouts.  David loved spending time on the beach in Florida (and warm weather), and he and his wife, Barbara, spent several winters living in Florida over the years.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, David is survived by son, John David Gifford and his wife, Jenny Stitt; son, Timothy Roy Gifford and his wife, Ivy Gifford; three step-children, W. Randy Reed, Jeremy S. Reed and wife Andrea, and Beth Ann (Reed) Foglesongand husband Jeff; six grandchildren, Gavin, Bodie, Jack, Colt, Ryder, and Colin; and four siblings, Diane E. Nicodemus, W. Roy Gifford, Raymond Baxter, and Bonnie L. Skinner.

A funeral service to celebrate and remember David’s life will be held 11:00 AM, Friday, June 8, 2018 at St. David’s United Church of Christ, 142 Hobart Road, Hanover, PA, with Rev. Scott A. Sager officiating.  Viewings and time to share memories with the family will be held from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA as well as from 10 -11 AM, Friday, June 8, 2018 at the church.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg, PA with the Hanover Allied Veterans Honor Guard Burial detail providing Military Honors.

Donations may be made in David’s memory to the St. David’s United Church, c/o Building Fund, 142 Hobart Road, Hanover, PA 17331.

The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to the Kenworthy Funeral Home, Inc., 269 Frederick Street, Hanover, PA.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.kenworthyfh.com.

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