David Frederick Altimier Jr. of Washington Township left his loved ones for his final resting place with God on December 4, 2010 after his brave fight with A.L.S. He was born on February 28, 1947 in Niagara Falls, NY, son of David Frederick Altimier of Venice, Florida and the late Nancy Lee Jones Altimier.
David grew up on Cayuga Island in Niagara Falls, NY, where he spent many fun-loving hours on the lower Niagara River and Lake Ontario. David attended LaSalle High School, DeVeaux Preparatory School and graduated from Lewiston Porter High School in 1965. David was awarded a degree in Business from Niagara County Community College. He then attended the University of Arizona before being drafted and joining the U.S. Navy. He served as a Radioman, Petty Officer 1st Class. He ended his tour in 1973 onboard the USS Springfield, home ported in Gaeta, Italy.
After the service, David worked as a switchman for GTE in Kentucky. He was transferred to Northwestern Pennsylvania where he assumed the role as a central office supervisor until he was downsized in 1995. He then ran a marine repair and home electrical service business and also worked as an independent owner/operator of a tractor trailer where he enjoyed seeing much of the beautiful United States. His last employment was as a substitute bus driver for the General McLane School District. In 2002 he also acquired his Merchant Marine Master?????s Captain License to continue his dream of spending time on the water.
David is survived by his wife Linda Snyder Altimier. They would have celebrated 42 years of marriage on December 27. David?????s life is remembered by his father David F. Altimier of Venice, FL, his sister Barbara Gressman and husband William of Bethesda, MD, his brother John Altimier and wife Cathy of Littleton, CO, his sister Debra Altimier and Gary Kula of Naperville, IL, and brother Paul Altimier and wife Lynne of Golden, CO. He was a kind and loving father to his sons David Erick Altimier of Mexico, and Brian Altimier, his wife Amy, and their infant son Teagen of Harborcreek, PA. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. David leaves behind countless friends, especially his beloved family at McLane Church in Edinboro, PA.
The family will receive friends at McLane Church on Saturday morning December 11, starting at 10:00 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Bill Cox officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: University of Pittsburgh Center for ALS Research, S-408 Biomedical Science Tower, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261; McLane Church, 12511 Edinboro Road, Edinboro, PA 16412; Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Erie County, 2253 West Grandview Boulevard, Erie, PA 16506; or the Erie Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 135 East 38th Street, Erie, PA 16504.
Dave was one of my best friends during our high school days at Lew-Port. Although we have grown apart over the years, I am deeply saddened and I share your loss. Linda, David and Brian, you are in my prayers and have my sincerest condolences.
Mel Goodearl
Lake Mary, Florida
To my friend and high school classmate, may you rest in peace. My wife Barbara and I sent our sincere regrets and condolences to Dave’s family. May god bless you in this time of trouble and lead you in your time of grief.
Ray (LaSalle High Class of 1965) and Barbara Stuchell
Stafford, Virginia
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.
A sad event indeed. I remember the day Linda and David were married; a happier couple I never did see. Linda’s gown was embroidered at the hem with their names and she laid her head on David’s shoulder as they came back down the aisle as man and wife. They shared a deep and dedicated love and respect.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Linda and their sons. David will be sorely missed by the many whose lives he touched with his gentle smile and loving ways.