David L. Tressler, Sr., 83, Clarks Summit, passed away peacefully Thursday morning at home surrounded by his loving family. His devoted and loving wife of 62 years is the former Joyce Mack.
Born April 30, 1936 in South Connellsville, PA, he was the son of the late Albert A. and Anna Fallon Tressler. David was a 1958 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He was a 1967 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a Masters Degree in Education and, in 1968, completed studies at the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University.
After a chance meeting with a hitchhiker, David left his position as a teacher in the Butler (PA) School District and began an extensive, rewarding, and storied career in banking. His act of kindness in helping the hitchhiker forever changed his life and he earned his first position in banking with the Pittsburgh National Bank. In 1975, David and his family relocated to Scranton where he became an Executive Vice President with the Northeastern Bank of Pennsylvania. He quickly ascended to President and Chief Executive Officer in 1978, and was named Chief Executive Officer / Chairman in 1980. He remained Chairman at Northeastern Bank and Vice Chairman/Board Member of PNC Bank, NA until his retirement in 1991.
Upon leaving the bank, David brought his business acumen and expertise to the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute where he served as President and Chief Executive Officer for five years. During this period of time he also served as the Executive Director at the University of Scranton Center for Public Initiatives as well as the Northeastern Pennsylvania Physicians Organization. In 2001 he joined The Quandel Group, Inc. as a Regional Director based in Scranton. He held this position until the time of his death.
Ever dedicated to bettering his community David continuously, tirelessly and generously gave back to Northeast Pennsylvania. He served as the former President of the Pocono Northeast Development Fund, a board member and former President of the Scranton Cultural Center, and was a member of the Pennsylvania Economy League. David also served as Chairman and board member for: Saint Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Scranton Preparatory School, Catholic Social Services, Diocese of Scranton Schools, Keystone College, Marywood University, Mercy Hospital, AAA Northeast PA, the United Way of Lackawanna County, Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania Chamber of Commerce, Pennsylvania Council of Economic Education, Telespond Senior Service, Inc., the Scranton Club, and NCAC (Division of NEPA). Besides serving as President of the Butler (PA) School Board, David served on the boards of: the University of Scranton, Pennsylvania Hospital Insurance Company (PHICO), PPL, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority (PIDA), NEPA Alliance, Kane Trucking, Pentagonal Board, Holy Family Residence Annual Bazaar, Waverly Country Club, Wilkes Barre/Scranton Airport Ambassadors, and the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. David took an active role in other community causes and civic organizations too numerous to mention. Until his passing, David was an active and engaged board member of the Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, Dunmore, PA. As a member of the Country Club of Scranton for more than 40 years, David was an avid golfer and former board member.
Throughout his life, he was awarded many honors, including the Easter Seal Society Award for Community Service, the B’Nai B’rith Americanism Award, Keystone College’s Presidential Medallion, Butler Jaycees Distinguished Service Award, Scranton Preparatory School’s Ignatian Award, Voluntary Action Center’s Chairperson Christmas Holiday Bureau Award, Lackawanna Bar Association’s Chief Justice Michael J. Eagen Award, Marywood University’s Presidential Medal, Akzo Salt’s the Salt of the Earth Award for Community Leadership, The Northeast Pennsylvania Boy Scouts of America Council’s Distinguished Citizen Award and the Penn State Alumni Fellow Award. On February 23, 1991, Mayor Jim Connors announced a “Dave Tressler Day” in the city of Scranton. David was recognized with other awards too numerous to mention.
A man of deep and abiding faith, David and his wife were among the group of founders of the Church of Saint Gregory in Clarks Green. He and his wife remain dedicated and active parishioners. He recently served as an Honorary Chairman of the Living Stones Capital Campaign to raise funds for the expansion of the church.
Through all of his success in business, his family remained his greatest source of pride and joy. He is survived by his sons Msgr. David L. Tressler, pastor of Saint Ignatius of Loyola Church, Kingston and Atty. James M. Tressler and his wife Erin of Clarks Summit; his daughter Mary Ann Morgan and her husband George of Clarks Summit; his beloved grandchildren Annie Tressler, James Tressler, Matthew Tressler, Caroline Morgan and Julia Morgan and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Robert and Ginny Mack of Westerville, OH, Marilyn Morabito of Potomac, MD, Richard and Carole Mack of Greensboro, NC, William Westerkamp of Cincinnati, OH and David and Mimi Elwell of Amelia Island, FL. He was preceded in death by his brothers James, John and J.W. Tressler as well as a brother-in-law, Peter Morabito DDS, and sisters-in-law, Nancy Mack, Jeanne Westerkamp, Marjorie Tressler, and Elnice Tressler.
Due to the current health crisis, graveside services will be celebrated by his son, Msgr. David L. Tressler, at Cathedral Cemetery. The service will be private at the convenience of the family.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at a date and time to be announced in the Church of St. Gregory, Clarks Green.
In the spirit of David’s example in giving back to the community, and in lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial contributions be made in his name to the Church of St. Gregory, 330 N. Abington Road Clarks Green, PA, Allied Hospice, or the donor’s charity of choice.
The family wishes to express their most sincere gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Michael and Lisa Kondash for their commitment to David’s care, especially during his greatest time of need. They are also most grateful for the care provided by the eighth floor nursing staff at G-CMC, Allied Rehabilitation Hospital, Allied Hospice, and the loving care provided and organized by Tammy Esgro, Gretchen Jones, Isabelle Standefer, Amanda Ormes, Cala Tolerico, Debi Baldwin as well as David Evans, John Zaccheo, and all others who so compassionately cared for him in his time of need.
Cathi and Mike
Dear Joyce,
There are no words to express the sorrow Mike and I feel about Dave’s passing. Dave was an extraordinary man of great faith, loving and devoted to you and his family, loyal to friends, and compassionate to those in need. May God bless you and your family. With deepest sympathy.
Cathi and Mike Crossin
Faye and Richard Bishop
Faye and I extend our deepest condolences to Joyce and the entire Tressler family on the loss of one of our community’s outstanding leaders and someone who made a real difference in improving the lives of people. May his memory be a blessing.
Vito DelVecchio
Dave’s confidence in my research changed my career and life. I am eternally indebted to this wonderful man.
Regina Boehm
My deepest condolences go out to the Tressler family. We met Dave and Joyce in 1995 when we moved to the Scranton area and have remained great friends ever since. I will miss Dave’s friendly, humorous, dedicated and caring personality. My prayers go out to all of the Tressler’s and Rest In Peace Dave.
John J Surinskas
Our hearts are saddened by the loss of a good man. We will always warmly remember David and all of his family’s fond interactions with our family over 30 years. Our prayers go out to Joyce and all of David’s family. These are trying times.
John and Mary Beth Zurinskas
Joan and Kuni Matsui
Joyce and family, our heartfelt condolences to you during these trying times. We are so sorry to hear about Dave. His memory will live on as a man of great faith, extraordinary intelligence, compassion, and as a business leader who has helped so many people.
With Our Deepest Sympathy,
Judy Senker
We are saddened to read about Dave’s passing. Sincere condolences and God’s blessings to his family.
Judy and Rich Senker
Lois and Carl Weinschenk
Joyce, please accept Lois and my condolences on the loss of Dave to the St Gregory Community. Dave was a man of character and and a pillar in the Community. He would always greet you with a smile. As a former Alumnus of the Year, Penn State will miss his support, leadership and wisdom. Our prayers go out to your family in this time of sadness.
Edward Connor
Good morning Joyce,
I have known Dave for the better part of 40 years first having met him when I was involved with the original University of Pittsburgh Alumni Club of Scranton. You and Dave have always held a special place in my heart and I’m truly honored and blessed to call you good friends. Dave’s caring commitment to our community will always be remembered. His memory will be for a blessing.
Jim Marcks
Dear Joyce, Larry, Jim, Mary Anne, and your Families,
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Dave. We will always remember his generous hospitality and willingness to include us in the celebrations of his family. I was and always will be impressed with his great ability to enter into conversation with everyone that he encountered. Be it family, sports, politics, or life in general he had a great talent to make everyone feel welcome and important. Our prayers are with at this time and will continue in the days ahead. May God bless and watch over each of you in the days ahead.
Jim and Jan Marcks
John Cappelloni
To Joyce, Rev. Larry and Mary Ann,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. Dave was very helpful to me during my time at Northeast Bank. He did many good works for the community and I enjoyed working with him. He will be missed.
John & Maryellen Cappelloni
Bernadette Lepre
Msgr. Tressler & family,
So sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. As a former banker I had the pleasure of knowing him and your Mom. Prayers to get through this time.
Take care, Bernadette Lepre
Bob & Judy Mellow
The family of Dave Tressler: Please accept our sincere expression of sympathy on the passing of Dave. I had the opportunity of interacting with him on many occasions he was a honest sincere god loving man. May our lord have mercy on his soul and grant him eternal happiness. Sincerely Bob & Judy Mellow
Bill Longworth
Mrs. Tressler.
I was so very sorry to learn of your loss. Mr. Tressler was a great man and I always enjoyed being in his company.
Marwan A. Wafa
Dear Joyce and Family,
On behalf of Penn State Scranton, my wife Sahar and I, our deepest condolences to you and the family. Dave will always be remembered for his kindness and dedication to helping those in need.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ray and Diane Angeli
I was sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. A great community leader friend to all and a true gentleman. It’s difficult to say in the little space provided how awful all of you must feel. Our prayers are with you.
Marnie Rhue
Fr Larry and family
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers and thoughts. May God give you all strength to get through this difficult time
Kathleen Masalonis and Tony
To Msgr Tressler, so sorry to hear of the death of your father. Prayers for you and your family.
George Ball
To Joyce and family,
My deepest sympathies-George Ball
Rev. Bill Carter
Joyce and family, I am sad to hear of Dave’s passing. I appreciated his positive spirit and his can-do personality. He treated me with great kindness, and I will always remember the occasions we shared together. We grieve with you.
Diane Wylam
Joyce and Family, my sincerest condolences during this especially difficult time. He was a great man for whom I had great respect. I will miss seeing him at the community events. God Bless. RIP. 🙏
Jo Ann Durdan
Joyce and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Dave has been a mentor and a friend. John and I will never forget his compassion, kind words and especially his warm smile. Bless you and may God grant you his peace. John, Jo Ann & Elizabeth Durdan
Dan and Ann Ritterbeck
Msgr. Larry and Family
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. What a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Beverly O’Donnell
We are very sorry to learn of Mr. Tressler’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies, Jerry and Bev O’Donnell
Ron and Mary Ellen Kernich
Our condolences to the entire Tressler family on the loss of your loved one. Mary Ann, your Dad was a great man who will be missed by many. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Marion and Jerry Eagen
Dear Joyce and Family:
Marion and I want to express our deepest condolences to you and to your family.
We cherished the graciousness and benevolence Dave always showed to us at church, at other celebrations, and in the community. Marion and I reflected on all of you today as we read today’s Epistle and Gospel. Peace.
Mary F Rinaldi
Dear Joyce and family,
Please accept my most sincere confolences on the passing of Dave. My recollections of Dave go back to The Globe Store days where my sister was a buyer, to Northeastern National Bank when my cousin Jerry Ferrario was on the Board and was a friend, and then I was on the Board of the Deutsch Institute with you, Joyce, and Dave always supported your efforts. Dave, you, and your family are etched in my thoughts and prayers forever. May Dave rest in peace.
Love and peace,
Mary Rinaldi
Mary F Rinaldi
Dear Joyce and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Dave. God and family were the most important focuses in his life. Dave has left a legacy for us to follow; dedicated and unselfish community service. He is already missed by many.
Love and peace,
Mary F. Rinaldi
Adrian and Elaine Morris
Dear Joyce, Father Tressler, Jim and Maryanne
We are so sorry for your loss
Dave was always there for us over the years
We always look back on the happy days we had as your neighbors in Colony Park watching our children grow up together
God Bless You All in this difficult time
Caroline Morgan
Dear Grandma, Uncle Larry, Uncle Jim, and Mom,
You had the best daddy ever! I was so happy to call him my pap! I love and miss him so much! I know he is watching over us!
Teresa Osborne
Mr. Tressler was one of the most generous men I ever met. He loved his family fiercely. He made meaningful & lasting contributions to society. He was loyal, reliable, trustworthy & true to his word. He defined the word servant in his devotion to his family & friends and in his dedication to his community. He was sincere in his faith, bore fruit that changed lives, and constantly helped others. Because of all this, he was strengthened with great endurance, power and patience .. which was most evident in these last days as he channeled every single inch of each of these God-given gifts that he nurtured throughout his life, to return home and once again be surrounded by those he loved. My heartfelt sympathies to Mrs. Tressler, the entire Tressler family & all who grieve his passing from this world to the next. “Well done, good and faithful servant .. enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Ronald John Skamanich
Dear Joyce,
My Mom worked for Dave and always spoke highly of him and you knew she didn’t give out much praise! She passed away last July at 94 years old. I know she greeted Dave with open arms.
Margo Portanova
Dear Joyce and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was truly a beacon of light in the community and always a pleasure to work with on any project. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
From my heart,
Margo Portanova
Mark Hiller
Dear Mrs. Tressler & family,
My most sincere, heartfelt condolences to you. For me, Mr. Tressler was and always will be this iconic, community minded, caring man. I looked forward to seeing him each year at the Deutsch Institute Brunch and was so sorry he had fallen ill within the past year. Wishing you love, peace and comfort during this extraordinarily difficult time. Rest in peace and Godspeed, Mr. Tressler.
Jack Marx
He was a great man.
Sean Scanlon
Mrs. Tressler, Msgr., Jim, Erin, Mary Ann, George, grandchildren and family, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Tresslers passing. He was one very special man and left this mark on everyone and everywhere he touched. He had an incredible gift of making everyone feel better after he met them. I’m so grateful I was one of them. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this trying time.
Mary Lou and Jim Burne
Dear Joyce, Mary Ann , Fr. Larry and Jim,
Our sympathy to all of you on the loss of David. He was a giant among men not only for his many accomplishments but for he sheer love of humanity. He shared his talents, compassion for causes, humor at just the right moment and his heart with all who needed love and attention. Many will never know the good deeds he did quietly when no one was noticing.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers and may he Rest In Peace with the Lord.
Jack Anderson
Our friendship between the Anderson/Tressler families spans some forty years or more. My mom and dad always held Dave in highest regard, and his many kindnesses shown to our family will never be forgotten. He leaves a tremendous legacy of caring, compassion, and leadership.
Please be assured of our special prayers for all of you at this most difficult time.
Lawrence & Eileen Crimi
Dear Joyce and family
We are very sad to hear of Dave’s passing. We had many fun times at Northeastern Bank/PNC Bank events. He was a great leader and a better friend. We will miss him.
Larry & Eileen Crimi
Chrissy & Ivan Jacoby
Dear Mrs. Tressler & Family,
So very sorry for the loss of your dear husband. May the happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Wishing you & your family strength and peace.
Jim and Shirley McLaughlin
Dear Joyce and Family: We are sorry for the loss of our dear friend Dave. Our lives, along with so many others, have been blessed by having Dave as our friend.
Sister Mariam Pfeifer, IHM
Dear Joyce, Msgr.Larry, Maryanne, Jim and families…
So sorry for your loss. Know that Dave is “now wherever you are.” He was a true example for all of us—a light in this beautiful yet wounded world; one who truly lived the gospel—“Love one another, as I have loved you!” Be assured of my prayers and know that David is now at peace . Blessings to all.
Bill Frye
Joyce, Being with you and Dave always made me smile. You were a team that made NEPA an even more enjoyable place to raise a family. Comfort for you and your family.
Laurie Gery
George and Mary Ann- our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time. We are very sorry for your loss.
Scott and Joann (Scubelek) Prushinski
Joyce and family,
Scott and I are very sorry for your loss and you will remain in our prayers. Dave and his family brought so much love and life to the northeastern Pennsylvania community. Please accept our warmest condolences, and, again, we are deeply sorry for your loss.
Ron Thomas
What an honor to have been a friend of Dave.You have just completed your greatest project.You will be remembered on All Saints Day.Blessings on your family.
Joanne Sterchak
Msgr. Tressler, We are deeply sorry to read of the passing of your dad. He was an honorable man. We pray for you and your family for healing, comfort, strength and peace during this painful time. Joanne Sterchak, Michael and Stephanie
Philomena Kovaleski
Dear Msgr. Tressler, please accept my sincere condolences to you, your mother and family at this time of deep sorrow for the loss of your dear father. You and your family are in my heart and prayers. May your father rest in peace and may you find comfort in your wonderful memories of him.
Sincerely, Phyllis Graziano Kovaleski
Betty Habler
To: Msgr. Tressler
I was so sorry to learn about the death of your father. I know he was a great role model for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
–Betty Habler
Fr. Richard Erikson
Sending love, sympathy and prayers as you honor a truly great man. Mr. Tressler was and remains full of grace. He showed us such great kindness through the years.
Kyle Sneddon
Sorry to learn of the passing of Dave. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. My mother Patty (Fallon) Sneddon , also sends her condolences. I am deeply sorry for your loss and may God bless you all.
MaryEllen Davison
Dear Joyce, Mary Ann, and family,
I am so sorry for the recent passing of your wonderful husband and Dad. He and his family gave so freely and regularly to everything he touched. One person does make a difference and he was one wonderful giving Man. All the people he has helped and touch will live on. It was an honor to know him and all of you. Our daily prayers will be said for you. Thank you for being a wonderful part of our community. With love,
Mary Ellen Davison
Doug Orzolek
Dear Mrs. Tressler, Jim and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. While it has been many years, I remember Mr. Tressler as a kind and warm man who cared deeply for all of those around him–most especially his family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
Doug Orzolek
Sally and Joe McDonough
Sincere sympathy to the Tressler family