David Francis Planitzer

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on October 2, 1943, to Regis and Rose Will Planitzer. He married Rita Dorsey Planitzer on October 2, 1965.

He graduated from St. Canice High School in Pittsburgh, and attended Gateway Technical College in Pittsburgh and Mercer County Community College in Trenton, NJ. He graduated with a BSMET degree from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

Dave was employed as an engineer by The Kramer Trenton Company in Trenton, New Jersey, and by Halstead & Mitchell in Scottsboro, Alabama. He retired from the Liebert Corporation in Columbus, Ohio in 2006, and then he and Rita retired to North Carolina.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Regis, Alan, and James. He is survived by his wife, their children Laura Kobet (Anthony), Lynn Mays (John), and David Planitzer (Melanie), their grandchildren Robert (Jessica) Kobet, Peter (Emily) Kobet, Daniel Kobet, Steven Planitzer, and Lauren Planitzer, and their six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved Godchild Michele Montemurro and her husband Carmine.

Dave was a master of all trades. He was particularly skilled at photography throughout his life, both personally and professionally. He had a gift for building or rebuilding things – furniture, cars, stained glass, stone fireplaces, wine, guns, and gardens. The zucchini was the stuff of legends. Always in search of a new adventure, he and Rita traveled by RV together throughout the United States and Canada. Their camping friends celebrated his chili, while his family celebrated his hamburgers. He spent many years as a Boy Scout leader in Alabama and Ohio. After retirement, he served his community as a census worker and an election poll worker and precinct judge. Dave was very involved in Habitat for Humanity, making lasting friendships and earning the Thousand Points of Light Award for his volunteer time. At Habitat he participated in weekly toy-making activities, in mission trips to other states for humanitarian projects, and in Habitat for Humanity builds of seven homes in the Winston-Salem area. He enjoyed helping neighbors and fellow church members with projects to make their lives easier. Dave volunteered for many years at the local animal shelter, and training his dog, Abby, was also one of his favorite ongoing projects.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on January 17, 2026, at The Lutheran Church of the Epiphany, 5220 Silas Creek Parkway in Winston-Salem, NC. Inurnment will directly follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trellis Hospice Care of Winston-Salem, or Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County.