IN LOVING MEMORY OF
David Gillinder
Daltry
March 19, 1948 – April 1, 2025
David "Dave" G. Daltry, of Garnet Valley, PA, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2025. He was 77. The significance of passing on the 1st of April will not likely be lost on those that knew Dave well. While always caring, thoughtful and loving, he was equally and enthusiastically ornery - and always willing to share that hearty laugh and kind smile with those he loved. In fact, you didn't even need to know him well to experience his enthusiasm. Dave had the innate ability to connect with anyone and if you crossed his path, you just felt it. He was always quick to share his joy of life and his joy for music, food, and family. A lifelong musician, he developed a passion for playing the drums at an early age. He began playing professionally in high school, in clubs throughout Philadelphia. Dave loved jazz and continued his playing career as a proud member of many bands, including the Knights of Columbus Band and the Legends of Delaware County Band. His favorite artist, Maynard Ferguson, might be best known in Philly for Gonna Fly Now, but you could see Dave's eyes light up when Birdland hit the speakers. He shared his love of music through custom playlists of hits and lesser-known tunes that set the perfect mood for each family dinner or holiday. And with a wink, he would gleefully encourage his grandchildren to express their own musical talents on a bevy of recorders that would magically reappear when it was just a little too quiet in the house. Who hit the higher notes you ask - Maynard or the little tykes? Ask the dogs... Dave turned his passion for food into a career. He began working at Habersett, helping to make that famous scrapple at an early age. Years later he even shared a little secret to its signature flavor with his family (Don't worry Habersett - we won't tell). With his natural cheer and a gift for gab, Dave was destined for sales and was promoted to sales manager for Habersett. His career then took him to Kraft Foods and later Kelchner Food Products until his retirement in 2022. Dave's love of the Jersey Shore and Ocean City's "salt air sea breeze" was only matched for his love for a piping hot slice of Manco & Manco pie. At home in the kitchen, we'll miss his perfectly crisp scrapple and a homemade cheesesteak that would rival the best in the area (Cooper sharp only please). But of all the famed dining rooms he'd hit through the years, Dave was most proud to share the delicious creations that came out of his own home and the kitchen of loving wife, Donna (nee Gannotti) Daltry. Whether it was crespelle and a Sunday sauce, grilled oysters, "baby chicken", or just a burger on the grill - you knew what was cookin' through Dave's colorful video commentary about each dish ... "Oh Baby...!" But Dave's biggest love was always his family, and he never shied from sharing that love with anyone in ear shot. He shared many adventures with Donna through their 52 loving years of marriage. Together, they had three children, Josh (Stacy), Nate, and Rachel and Dave never missed a chance to see his kids on the court or the diamond. An enthusiastic supporter of women's sports, he proudly shed a tear at the end of A League of Their Own. As his own kids grew, Dave and Donna (now Pop and Nunnie) were blessed with grandchildren Gabrielle, Gavin, and Rowan Daltry; Emily and Allison Daltry. They even graciously welcomed friends Sean & Kameron McConnell, and their daughter Mallory, as "adopted" kids and another granddaughter. Ever present at concerts, recitals, and games, Pop would beam with pride and happily recount all the details to the wait staff at a "post-game" meal. Dave's family story would not be complete without mentioning a host of furry dog friends that he befriended through the years - Shadow, and grandpups Pumba, Muddy Puddles, Moose, Brock, Scout, Matilda (the Grande Dame), and others, all knew Pop was there to hand out a treat or "accidently" drop a morsel or two from the family dinner table (delightedly against his family's wishes). Whether sharing a tune, a good meal, or a (rarely) quiet moment, Dave will always be remembered for his exuberant smile, his boundless love, and the unique way that he could bring people together and make them feel welcomed. His zest for life will be missed but will always be shared by those who loved him. Dave was born to the late James and Elizabeth (nee Gillinder) Daltry and was the brother of the late J. Richard Daltry. Dave was born in Media, PA where he attended Media High School. He was also a member of First United Methodist Church in Media, where he found community and spiritual connection. Services for Dave will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in Dave's name to a local dog rescue of your choice. And if you happen to have a treat in hand to share with the pups, tell them it's from Pop. Condolences: www.nolanfidale.com
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