Mar 21, 2023

David Lonick, 68, of Avella, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2023 in Washington Hospital, surrounded by his family.

He was born on January 8, 1955 in Washington, son of the late Chester and Mae Belle Potts Lonick.

Dave grew up in Atlasburg; he attended Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School and then graduated from Union High School in Burgettstown. During high school, he was a guitarist and one of the original band members for Zuke. Throughout his life he stayed close with the band and occasionally graced his family and friends with a performance.

Dave worked as an equipment operator for Penn DOT, out of the Atlasburg location, for over 30 years.

On June 17, 1974 he married Karen Lee Butcher and the couple moved to Avella, where they were members of St. Michael Church (St. Isidore the Farmer Parish).

Dave was a loving husband, father and grandfather; he always put family first. Dave was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, he loved to cook for everyone, socialize with his Heights Hill neighbors and watch his grandsons’ sporting events and “give feedback” on their performance. When you saw Dave, you knew he always had a good story to share.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 48 years; are two daughters, Michelle (Brad) Rankin of Avella, Deanna DiCio of Washington; a son, Michael Lonick of Avella; four grandchildren, Braden and Nathan Rankin and Emma and Dani DiCio; sister, Karen Painter (the late Ronald) of Washington; brother, John Lonick (the late Bertha) of Brevard, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased in addition to his parents are, a son-in-law, TJ DiCio; and a sister, Susan Butcher.

Friends and family will be received for a Memorial Gathering from noon until 2:15pm, the time of the Blessing Service, on Saturday, March 25, 2023 in the Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home Inc, 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312, with Rev. Harry Bielewicz officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Avella Volunteer Fire Dept. or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.