Dr. David E. Zickafoose

Dr. David E. Zickafoose, 86, of Hanover, PA, passed away January 30, 2026, at UPMC Hanover after serving his community for more than 40 years.

Born October 29, 1939, in Green Sulphur Springs, WV, Dr. Zickafoose was the son of the late Eugene S. and Opal (Lively) Zickafoose. He was the loving husband of Nancy J. (Decker) Zickafoose, with whom he shared 60 years of marriage.

Dr. Zickafoose was educated in a two room school house until the 8th grade, taught by his parents who were both teachers. The family moved to Florida in 1953 and he graduated from Trenton High School, Trenton, FL, at the age of 16. As a senior in high school he was a Congressional page and often recounted seeing prominent political figures of the day. He graduated from the University of Florida with a B.S., initially intending to become a pharmacist. His professors guided him to study medicine and at the age of 19 he entered medical school at University of Florida College of Medicine, earning his M.D. in 1963. This was followed by a one year internship at Union Memorial Hospital, Baltimore, MD.

In 1964 he was drafted into the US Army and served his country proudly as a captain in the 82nd Airborne Division, completing 26 jumps while deployed in the Dominican Republic and Turkey. Upon discharge, he completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, and attended a fellowship in rheumatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. After spending several years in Baltimore, he and Nancy purchased their 175 acre farm in New Oxford, PA.

“Doc,” as he was affectionately known, started his medical practice in Hanover, PA, in January 1969. He was active on the Hanover Hospital medical staff for decades and held office hours 6 days a week across the street at 220 Potomac Avenue. He was known for his dedication to his patients, making house calls and hospital rounds for years.

Dr. Zickafoose was an avid newspaper reader, history enthusiast and gentleman farmer. He loved woodworking and especially customizing cars. His crowning achievement was building a custom Shelby Cobra roadster.

In addition to his loving wife, Nancy, he is survived by daughters Debra Zickafoose, M.D. of Temecula, CA and Virginia Zickafoose, Ph.D. of Washington, DC; his daughter Elizabeth Graetz of Wesley Chapel, FL; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Erma Laraway. He was preceded in death by a brother, Eugene “Jack” Zickafoose, II.

Following cremation, family services will be held privately.

To honor the memory of Dr. Zickafoose, the family asks that you continue to care for your community, support someone’s education, and always remember to stop at a local yard sale.

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

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