David Joseph Kokoruda

Dave was born January 11, 1945 to Pearl and Joseph Kokoruda in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. After graduating from Shaler High School in 1962 he we went on to study engineering at the United States Naval Academy; Class of 1966 [Beat Army!].

Following his graduation, he served 3 tours active duty in Vietnam (USS Boston (CAG-1) & USS Tappahannock (AO-43)), and 22 years in the United States Naval Reserve. He received the following awards: Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver & One Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device (60-), and Expert Rifleman Medal.

Professionally, Dave worked in the manufacturing industry having retired from Leviton Manufacturing after 30 years of dedicated service. On July 18, 1970 he married Molly Virginia Mortimer. Dave and Molly went on to have one daughter, Beth Kokoruda.

Dave was a loving husband, a doting father and a proud grandfather. He served his community and his church faithfully. He left everyone he knew with a smile on their face. Dave left this world better than he found it. Everyone that knew Dave loved him.

His family knew him as Duke, Dad, PapPap. He loved us beyond measure and cared for us deeply; just as we did him. His sudden passing leaves a hole that can never be filled. We remember him with tears over his loss, smiles for all the wonderful moments he gave us and a love that will never fade.

He enjoyed his morning routine of getting food and coffee downtown, followed by feeding the birds. He spent his free time volunteering at his church and sharing the word of God, which he held so dear.

Dave was predeceased by his parents Joseph and Pearl, and his sister Diane. He is survived by his wife of 53 years Molly Kokoruda, his daughter Beth Kokoruda, and his granddaughter Regan Kokoruda. *Regan was his pride and joy. He loved her infinitely from the moment she arrived until his passing. He always took the opportunity to share pictures and stories of her personal, academic and athletic accomplishments. She was his favorite and him hers.

Services will be held Wednesday, March 29th, 10:00AM at Living Hope Community Church followed by burial services at Putnam Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Travellers Rest Farm Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization run out of his farm in Hughesville, Maryland [travellersrestfarmsanctuary.org].