David H. Small

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Small on May 21, 2025, at the age of 88. David passed peacefully at home with his wife of 41 years, Jemry. In addition to Jemry, David is survived by his son, Dennison Small, and his long-time girlfriend, Jean Bonsall; mother in-law, Merry Hitchcock, married to Fred Hitchcock; and a slew of many other loving relatives.

David was born on February 16, 1937, in Gardiner, Maine. He was a writer and painter, the author of several critically acclaimed novels, including Almost Famous, finalist for the American Book Award in 1982, and The River in Winter and Alone, both New York Times Notable Books of the Year. Elected a Guggenheim Fellow in 1986, he taught as a writer-in-residence and as Visiting Assistant Professor in the English Department at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA. In addition, for many years, he served as the Associate Executive Vice President of the Pennsylvania Medical Society. He graduated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1960.

David’s close friends describe him as:

“The most generous, considerate friend, whether it involved hosting elaborate dinner parties or reviewing manuscripts.”

“A true Renaissance man who sought, and contributed to, our culture with a unique combination of passion and grace. He brought the same passion and grace to all his relationships, making him a cherished husband, father, friend, and mentor. Because of his example, his influence is seen in all of those he leaves behind.”

“David was blessed with many talents and a passion for living. An author with distinction, an artist, and an enthusiast for fine wine, food, music and travels, David loved life deeply and cared for friends that shared in his journey. He made a charismatic and charming presence with his warm smile and unique sense of humor. He was much enjoyed and will be forever missed.”

“David taught a fiction writing seminar at Franklin and Marshall College, inspiring his students with his own critically acclaimed novels, and impressing upon them the importance of hard work and the rigors and joys of committing to your art. He would say, In the first draft of your novel, you’re telling the story to yourself. The real work happens in the rewriting. To his students and, later, his former students, David was enormously generous with his insights and his encouragement, forming friendships with former students that lasted decades. He earned the admiration of his students with his talent; he was a master at telling stories that felt real and creating relatable, human characters. He likewise earned his students’ respect with his focus on work ethic. David was also a cherished mentor, emailing and texting words of encouragement to former students struggling over their own work, or simply keeping in touch, exchanging book recommendations or commiserating about their baseball teams. He was a friend, vital and vibrant to the end, always with something of value to say and a beautiful way of expressing it.”

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a donation to Hospice of Central Pennsylvania, 1320 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110.

A small private celebration of life event will take place at a future date.