David A. Yaple, age 84, of Erie, PA, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at home after a battle with cancer. He was a 1959 graduate of McDowell High School.<\/p>\n
David and his wife, Kimberly, were married 53 years. David loved life, seeing the glass as “running over the edges.” During his early years, he co-owned Yaple\u2019s Dairy (founded by Ivan C. and Dewey H.) with his uncle Dewey for a time, then operated a Stop N\u2019 Go convenience store where he and Kim first met. After their marriage, he worked in sales, from antiques and furniture to cars and pizza.<\/p>\n
David loved his family deeply and loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was actively involved in his local church, serving as a Sunday School teacher for several years and portraying James the Lesser in the church\u2019s passion play. He enjoyed trips to the mountain cabin “Rocky Run” with family and hunting with cousins Gary and Scott Rogers where he “got everything he shot at.” He also loved cruising the 13-mile stretch around Presque Isle. At home he would often break out into song and had an artist’s eye. David also loved riding his motorcycle into his 70s and driving any of his varied vehicles over the years. He retired from his many years as a Schwan’s driver but continued to drive even after that, delivering for Frontier Pharmacy to those who were home-bound. He enjoyed numerous enduring friendships, including but not limited to: David “Seitz” Seitzinger (one of three Davids that stayed connected after high school), Larry Bush, Dennis Pistone, Chuck Kimple (who was a special blessing to David as both his audiologist and lunch buddy), and the late Bill Wakeley and Bob Lang.<\/p>\n
Born on July 16, 1941, in Erie to the late Ivan and Nellie (Rogers) Yaple, he was preceded in death by his brother, Gordon Yaple.<\/p>\n
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly (Kress) Yaple; children: David (Charilyn) Yaple of Minneapolis, MN, Allyn Cymbl of Erie, PA, Kelly (David) Godzwa of Springfield, MO, Sky (Andrew) Chernauskas of Erie, PA, and Micah (Julia) Yaple of Asheville, NC; grandchildren: Veronica Lee (Lauren Campbell), Victoria, Ivan and Speed Yaple, Rebekah (Luke) Balch, Joseph (Tatiana) Godzwa and Jonathan Godzwa, River, Violet and Jude Chernauskas, and Olive Yaple; great-grandchildren: Elliot Campbell and Mabel Balch; sister: Polly (Chuck) Brown of Amory, MS; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.<\/p>\n
A memorial service will be held on July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Assembly, 12664 Route 19 S, Unit A-1, Waterford, PA 16441.<\/p>\n