Dave was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on October 9, 1952, the son of John and Catherine Oshansky. Following graduation from Johnstown High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. Upon completing his tour of duty in Germany, he returned to Johnstown and earned a bachelor of science degree at the University of Pittsburgh.
Dave married Joel Ann Zahornek on August 14, 1982. He returned to active duty, graduating from Officer Candidate School. Their travels included Augsburg, Germany, Fort Huachuca, Arizona, and Anchorage, Alaska.
They settled in Auburn, Maine, where Dave completed a 20-year career with the Defense Investigative Service as a special agent. During those years, he continued serving his country as a member of the Maine National Guard--retiring at the rank of Major.
Dave's interest in the field of medicine led him to continue his education at the University of Southern Maine, earning a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in 2022
Dave's passion was photography. Throughout his life, he created beautiful records of family gatherings and was especially drawn to the world of nature. Dave cared about the welfare of abandoned cats, bringing several into his home or finding happy and safe living conditions for others. He will be greatly missed by his feline companions, Merlin and Abby.
He spent several years volunteering as a Eucharistic Minister at Central Maine Medical Center, bringing Holy Communion and a kind heart to many patients.
David is survived by his wife, Joel Ann, his son, Marc, and his grandson, Dean. He was predeceased by his parents.
Visiting hours in Maine will be held from 4-7 p.m., on Tuesday, May 28, at Pinette Dillingham & Lynch Funeral Home at 305 Alfred A. Plourde Pkwy., in Lewiston. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 29, at The Basilica of Saints Peter & Paul, 122 Ash Street, Lewiston.
Visiting hours will also be held in Dave's hometown of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, from 12-1 p.m., on Monday, June 3, at Moskal & Kennedy Funeral Home, 219 Ohio St. Internment will follow at Grandview Cemetery.
If desired, donations may be made in Dave's memory to Greater Androscoggin Humane Society, 55 Strawberry Ave., Lewiston, ME 04240.
