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David K. Dernar

1947 - 2025

David K. Dernar obituary, 1947-2025, Murrysville, PA

BORN

1947

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Hart Funeral Home Inc

3103 Lillian Ave.

Murrysville, Pennsylvania

David Dernar Obituary

David K. Dernar, 78, of Murrysville, a Certified Public Accountant who measured wealth by friendships made, passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. Born on July 31, 1947, in Wattsburg, he was the oldest son of the late George and Jennie (Pelc) Dernar. He grew up on a farm and loved telling stories of his childhood, where he claimed to be quite mischievous. After graduating from Wattsburg High School in 1965, where he was Student Council President, David enrolled at the Pennsylvania State University, graduating in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He often recounted his college days and remained a devoted fan of Nittany Lions football for the rest of his life. Following college, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy, stationed in Puerto Rico during the Vietnam War. After moving to Murrysville, David worked for several accounting firms and then decided to start his own firm in 1974, now Dernar & Associates, LLC, after passing the C.P.A. exam. His other business endeavors included EMS Southwest and Five Star Payroll Services, LLC. A "people person" born at heart, David would love to visit with his clients as often as he could and go to lunch, often telling his "dad jokes" to anyone that would listen. He was a dedicated businessman who would go above and beyond for his friends and his family. While his professional achievements were many, David's greatest pride was his family. It was during a blind date that he met his future wife, Laura, with whom he would raise twin daughters and share a life full of love and laughter. He recently "retired," trading in the suit and tie for PSU sweatsuits. He enjoyed his long morning walks and growing his vegetable garden. He cherished spending time with his grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to be involved in their lives. He loved going to Penn State football games while enjoying some Peachy Paterno ice cream from the Creamery. His sense of humor and endless jokes made him such a constant joy to everyone around him. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Laura (Tingleff) Dernar; two daughters, Chantelle (Greg) Filotei and Sarah (Nicholas) Bressler; and four grandchildren, Matthew, Owen, Lyla, and Brooke. He is also survived by two brothers, Ronald (Diane) Dernar and Terry (Barb) Dernar, both of Wattsburg; a sister, Sherri (Mark) Miller of New Castle; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at HART FUNERAL HOME INC., Murrysville, Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. A blessing service and interment will be private with David's family. David will always be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather, as well as a respected member of the community. The loss will be profound for all those who knew and loved him. For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Valley News Dispatch on Sep. 3, 2025.

Memorial Events
for David Dernar

Sep

4

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Hart Funeral Home Inc

3103 Lillian Avenue

Sep

4

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Hart Funeral Home Inc

3103 Lillian Avenue

Funeral services provided by:

Hart Funeral Home Inc

3103 Lillian Ave., Murrysville, PA 15668

Memories and Condolences
for David Dernar

Not sure what to say?





12 Entries

Diane Heming

Earlier today

Laura. You and your family have my deepest sympathies. Dave was a great man and a privilege to work alongside

Darlene Wisniewski

Yesterday

So sorry for the family Dave was a very pleasant person to be around, I went to high school with him and consider him a good friend. Sympathies to all

George A. Kotjarapoglus, Esq.

Yesterday

I was fortunate to have worked with David who helped many law clients of mine over the years. David was always there ready to give sound advice help regardless of their immediate financial circumstances. In addition, he was a friend who never forgot past kindesses extended to him by others. I will miss David, his smile and his friendship. I extend our deepest sympathies to David and his entire, Great memories of you my friend! Georg and Joan Kotjarapoglus, Murrysville, Pa.

Linda Cerutti

Yesterday

We are both so shocked and deeply saddened to hear of David's passing. Thinking of him and his beautiful family brings back so many heartfelt memories both professionally and personally. Our daughters all share the same birthday and that means David and my family go back over 40 years. His humor, wit, true friendship and accounting expertise will be missed more than words can ever express. Our family is sending you prayers of love and strength and may you somehow find comfort in all the wonderful lifelong memories he created.

Lynn Charlesworth

September 3, 2025

Please know what a feeling of loss my whole family has experienced at the news of David´s passing. Bill felt so fortunate to meet David when they both set up their businesses on Mosside Blvd. Would love to know just how many jokes the two of them told whenever getting together for business or pleasure. Please accept our deepest condolences. Lynn

Jim Winter

September 3, 2025

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Carol Keeling

September 3, 2025

David´s passing has deeply saddened me. His impact on my life is profound: he inspired my choice of accounting as a profession and was my very first employer in the field. David was both a friend and a mentor. The achievements I have reached in my career are thanks to his early guidance and support. Though the years created distance between us, David was always held close in my thoughts. My heartfelt sympathies go out to Laura and the entire family during this difficult time.

Gerry L. Vollentine Sr.

September 2, 2025

Sorry to hear about David, I also graduated with him and remember him as class president. Sending best wishes for all his family may God ease your pain at this time

Rhonda Burger Lipinski

September 2, 2025

Dave and I graduated together in 1965 and were good friends through high school. What I remember most about him was his sense of diplomacy. He could make everyone want to work together and feel good about themselves.
I extend my condolences to his family and encourage them to treasure and share their memories of Dave.

Ruth Lee

September 2, 2025

Such a shock...David and I met when he decided to open his own accounting firm back in the early 70s. I was his first client and to this day his firm remains my trusted accountants. He was there for me whenever I needed him and worked miracles! Will miss him!

Kathleen Safchick

September 2, 2025

So sorry to hear of David´s passing.
He was a dear friend. I will miss his smiling face and his helpful advice.

Jamie Sinclair-Matasich

September 2, 2025

I had the privilege of working alongside David for nearly eight years. He had a gift for making people laugh with his "dad jokes," which many of us secretly loved. Beyond his humor, he was insightful and had an incredible way of explaining things that made everything clearer. David will be deeply missed. Rest in peace.

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