Obituaries

September 21st, 2024

David B. Firlein, 80, of Upper Chichester passed away on 9/19/2024 surrounded by his loving family at Riddle Memorial Hospital.  David had a long battle with Parkinson’s disease and Dementia.  He was a graduate of Girard College in 1961 and then went on to attend Drexel University.  He worked as an inspector and electrician for 43 years at the General Motors Boxwood Plant.  David played semi-pro soccer for the Worthy Brothers.  He loved adventure including skydiving, scuba diving, skiing, horseback riding, running marathons and charity runs.  He also loved to take trips on his Harley Davidson.  David and his wife, Linda, enjoyed hiking in the mountains of Pennsylvania.  He was a long-time volunteer at the Upper Chichester recreation center, and at All Riders Up therapeutic equestrian center in Glen Mills.

David was predeceased by his parents, Frederic and Christina Firlein; sister, Beryl Ann Cirrillo.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Firlein; daughter, Tracey Hobbs (Jason); grandsons, Ryan and Eric Kanavel; great-grandchildren, Faith Kamahele, Aubrey and Mikael Kanavel; mother-in-law, Dolores Ryan; brother, Frederic Firlein (Mary); his beloved Doberman and Pitty; many loving nieces and nephews.

His funeral services will be held privately with a celebration of life at a later date.  Donations in his memory can be made to the Providence Animal Center 555 Sandy Bank Rd. Media, PA 19063 or to the Upper Chichester Volunteer Fire Company at PO box 2087, Boothwyn, PA 19061.