Michael David Preston

M. David Preston, 83, of Whiting, NJ, passed away on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at Community Medical Center in Toms River, NJ. Dave was born and raised in Baden, PA. He graduated with 2 Bachelor’s degrees, in Fines Arts & Music and Education, from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburg, PA and went on to earn his Master’s and Doctorate of Education from the University of Pittsburg. Dave enlisted in the United States Army where he served as an instructor in the Signal Corp at Fort Gordon in Georgia.

Dave began his professional career as a music teacher at Baden-Economy Junior High School. He then served as principal of Ambridge High School in Ambridge, PA and Lewistown High School in Lewistown, PA. He eventually became superintendent of the Lake Lehman School District, and later, the Hellertown School District. Dave retired at age 55 and pursued multiple hobbies including fishing, community & charity work and enjoying his passion for music, often playing piano as a volunteer at multiple community & charity events. He most especially enjoyed being a grandfather.

Dave is predeceased by his parents, Michael and Mary Perlakowski; and his grandson, Jaden Mark Preston. He is survived by his brother, Glenn Perlakowski and his wife Linda of Whiting, NJ; his 2 sons, Jonathan Preston and his wife Sharon of Fort Worth, TX and Mark Preston and his wife Carrie of Richmond, VA; 5 grandchildren, Michael, Braden, Jacob, Lily and Jackson; and 3 nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 from 12-1pm at The Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 115 Lacey Road, Whiting, NJ 08759. A Memorial Service will follow at 1pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association P.O. Box 96011 Washington, DC 20090-6011 or online at www.alz.org.