David L Witmer, PhD.

David L. Witmer, 87, of Strasburg, died on Sunday morning, February 2, surrounded by family.  He was born on January 3, 1938 to Lloyd B. and Ruth (Herr) Witmer. He was one of five boys in his family - Norman (deceased), Raymond (deceased), his twin brother Dan (married to Barbara Cence) and younger brother Jim (married to Sarah Jane Good. He is the proud father of Douglas Witmer (married to Lisa Hanna) of Lancaster and Lorri (Witmer) Dowell (married to Ken Dowell) of Columbia. He is especially proud of his three grandchildren - Benjamin, Olivia and Isabella. Since retiring to Strasburg, he has enjoyed family gatherings in his home. Also surviving are his children’s mother, Renee Schuler, and his longtime companion Donna Burkholder of Ephrata.

Beginning life as sharecroppers, the Witmer clan of parents and five boys lived on six farms. In that time, the boys participated in the normal activities of farm labor. One amusing story comes from the task of picking tomatoes for a neighboring farmer. Brother Jim was the indisputably fastest picker. The brothers used their earnings to buy their first bicycle.

David had many achievements in public education where he served for over 45 years as a teacher, guidance counselor, principal and superintendent of schools. His career in education started as a teacher in Conestoga Valley Junior High School in Leola, PA. After earning a Master’s degree in guidance counseling, David joined the staff at Reynolds Junior High School in Lancaster. His tenure at Reynolds also included the positions of assistant principal and principal. He moved to the central office of the School District of Lancaster to become the Director of Personnel.

After earning a Doctorate from Walden University, Dr. Witmer became the Superintendent of Schools in Pine Grove, Mifflinburg, and Bristol Township, all in Pennsylvania. Dr. Witmer’s goal in changing school districts was to experience variously sized school systems. While this goal was achieved, he later expressed the opinion that bigger is not always better.

Dr. Witmer took advantage of the early retirement provision provided by Pennsylvania in 1992 and then moved to East Windsor Regional School District of Hightstown, NJ. After more than 10 years in that district, Dr. Witmer concluded his educational career as superintendent in Middletown Township School District in New Jersey.

Dedicated to the communities in which he worked, Dr. Witmer became an active participant in numerous civic and service clubs. He was a member and officer of the Rotary, Lions, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis and Mason organizations.

During his lifetime, Dr. Witmer was a successful entrepreneur. He and his twin brother purchased his Uncle Jake’s chicken barbeque business. He estimates during their ownership, Dr. Witmer may have prepared as many as a million chicken dinners served to various Lancaster area fund raising organizations and gatherings. The brothers also owned, operated and developed residential housing on several farms. At one time Dr. Witmer owned the Rock Hill Hotel and Herr’s Barn Restaurant. After several floods, he sold the hotel. Herr’s Barn Restaurant along Lincoln Highway East was developed from an abandoned chicken barn. Under the leadership of Daryl Peifer and assistance from Dr. Witmer’s brother, Norman, the barn was transformed into a restaurant serving family-style meals.

With his son, Douglas, Dr. Witmer developed and operated the Paradise Pre-Owned Car Sales. He also dabbled in real estate - purchasing and selling numerous properties. His long-term holding was an apartment building on Long Beach Island, New Jersey, where the family vacationed for over 20 years.

This property was one block from the ocean and was severely damaged by the storm Sandy. With the help of his friend, Jeff Ofredo, the property was again remodeled and later sold. Although a delightful place to vacation, it had become too burdensome to own.

After retiring from public education, Dr. Witmer volunteered for Meals on Wheels and a food bank in the Poconos. He frequently drove over 100 miles daily to deliver prepared food to clients of the program. Often, he was the only visitor these grateful people saw in their day.

He next worked as a part-time driver for a mental health rehabilitation center in New Jersey and finally a driver at a Lancaster nursing home. He often commented on how he brought patients to various doctors’ offices that he would need as well later in life.

Dr. Witmer’s final retirement was in May 2014 when he actively pursued his interests as an “auction junkie”. His favorite items were beautiful pieces of crystal, cut glass and classic cars. With many classic and antique cars, Dr. Witmer had to build a pole barn on his Strasburg property to accommodate them. His children and grandchildren frequently enjoyed “car cruising” around Lancaster County in these vehicles. During retirement, David and Donna enjoyed traveling, sometimes by motorhome. Trips included Europe, the Caribbean and many US states.

A member of First Presbyterian Church in Strasburg since his move in 2015, David was elected an elder in 2024. In the intervening years, he was a frequent supporter of the church’s Food Bank, and in 2024 began using his “auction” skills to purchase clothing for Bergstrasse Clothing Closet in Ephrata and the Ten-fold emergency homeless shelter in Lancaster.

There are several expressions that David felt were important. 1) I thank God for good health through most of my life. 2) I thank God for our great medical services today, which I have received. 3) One should work hard while you can. 4) Always be early and never late. 5) “Every saint has a past and ever sinner has a future” (heard on Dolly Parton’s Christmas special of 2022).

A Memorial Service for David will be held on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 11 AM with a visitation at 10 AM until the time of the service at the First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg, 101 S. Decatur St., Strasburg, PA 17579, with Rev. Robert K. Bronkema officiating. 

Memorial contributions in his honor can be made to any of the following organizations: Lancaster County Food Hub, 812 N. Queen Street, Lancaster, PA. 17603 or online at Lancaster Food Hub, Tenfold 308 East King Street Lancaster, PA 17602,  Donate Items - Tenfold , First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg - Food Pantry and Community Resources or Bergstrasse Community Clothing Closet - 9 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.