David Schreffler, age 49 of Ft. Washington, was taken tragically and much too soon in an automobile accident on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, on the Schuylkill Expressway. He was a Director of Benefits for Odell Studner.

Born Aug. 18, 1959, at Sacred Hospital in Norristown, he was the son of the late Kenneth E. Schreffler Sr. and Pauline (Kozak) Schreffler Eliff and his stepfather John Eliff of Norristown.

Sadly his own father died when he was four years old when he then lived at the Milton Hershey School for boys until his graduation in 1977.

A self-made man and a salesman at heart, Dave was successful selling pots and pans, encyclopedias, and shoes, just to name a few.

Dave was accepted to Franklin and Marshall College and reveled in the intellectual challenge. His sense of curiosity was limitless and a defining part of his personality.

While at F & M, he was an integral member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. To this day, he considers his brothers some of his closest friends.

A born leader, Dave was involved in various organizations throughout the city. Most notably, Dave was part of a core group of young professionals working to develop the Philadelphia Jaycees.

In 1990, Dave married Deb (Osberg) Schreffler. In quick succession they were blessed with three children: Matt age 17, Allie age 15, and Sarrah age 13.

Selfless to a fault, Dave put his wife and children before himself in every aspect of his life. Every decision he made was based on their needs and unmatched sense of responsibility and duty to his family.

As his children reached school-age, he was involved with and worked tirelessly on many committees at both Chestnut Hill Academy and Springside School, most recently spearheading a memorable YouTube presentation for CHA’s annual fund.

Dave was a driving force in the revitalization of the St. Thomas Episcopal (Whitemarsh) youth group, for which he was the Youth Coordinator.

Professionally, Dave held various positions and was happiest when he was face-to-face with people. He was confident and willing to take risks, but always gauging his decisions based upon what was the right thing for his family.

With boundless energy that was legendary, Dave tried just about every sport, but he particularly loved to test himself on both the squash court and on the golf course. As legendary as his energy, was his sense of competitive spirit.

A lover of the outdoors, Dave and Deb spent several days on their honeymoon to Nova Scotia on the hiking trails. After children came along, Dave and his family cherished their numerous hikes in the Adirondack Mountains, as well as an indescribable hike up Snowdon, the highest point in the U.K.

He will forever be loved, missed, and remembered by his adoring family and countless friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 2 p.m., at the Saint Thomas Church Whitemarsh, Camphill Rd. at Bethlehem Pike, Ft. Washington. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made to the Schreffler Family Educational Fund, c/o Richard Cutler, 75 Stenton Ave., Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. Funeral arrangements by the Lownes Funeral Home, Lafayette Hill; 610-828-4430.