David J. Lipchak

David Lipchak, aged 71 of Pittsburgh, PA passed away Wednesday, January 8th 2025. Beloved son of the late George and Margaret (Belo) Lipchak. Preceded in death by his artist brother George, David is survived by his Wife Marcia Gerwig and Son Nathan Gerwig and wife Amanda Fulmer and granddaughters Grace Lucille and Lilah Lynn, niece Elana Lipchak and husband Robert Messina, niece Jessica Blanton and husband Nathan Burton nephew Justin Blanton and fiancee Corin Kleineke, sister-in-law and kidney donor Tinsy Labrie, as well as many loving cousins, friends and extended family members.  Born in 1953, David was a 1971 graduate of North Catholic High School and a Dickinson College 1975 graduate.

 In 1986 he met his future wife and son and was married in January 1991. Between youth basketball and baseball, David spent many hours on baseball fields and in gymnasiums coaching, cheering and driving carloads of kids to games and practices. His devotion culminated in seeing his son reach the NCAA basketball tournament’s Elite Eight with Kent State University in 2002 and play professionally in Europe for several years thereafter.   

David worked for 30 years as an Investigator for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and was responsible for the return of millions of dollars in unpaid wages to workers. David was active in his union holding various elected offices in AFSME Local 1985. 

Always hesitant to say no, David served on a number of committees for neighborhood and environmental issues and served as a Committeeman for the 14th ward democratic committee. 

David loved being outdoors. He was a talented artist and photographer and a passionate advocate for anyone seeking help or guidance. A member of a small community in the hollows of the east end of Pittsburgh, his fierce devotion to his neighbors and their small corner of the city was undeniable. 

Diagnosed with childhood diabetes at the age of six, David fought his disease valiantly, electing to have transplant surgery both in 1996 and 2009.  He was grateful every day, estimating the transplants doubled the length of his life.  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in David’s memory to the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute  https://www.upmc.com/services/transplant/about/starzl-institute/giving or the Boys and Girls Club of Western PA.  https://bgca.org/ways-to-give

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