David Van Nort, Sr, 83, of Meadville, Pennsylvania passed away at home with his wife and family on his side on March 15, 2023.
He was born in Marienville, PA, to the late Arthur C and Mildred J (Dowell) Van Nort. David graduated from the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf in Pittsburgh in 1958.
He likes to go hunting. His pet expression, “Don’t worry, I will help you.” He is member of Reading Club, Explorer Scout, soccer player. During his senior year in 1958 at WPSD, his ambition was to be a construction worker.
He went on to the Williamsport Technical Institute specializing in tool and die. David and his wife, Norma, settled in Meadville, PA, to start a family. David worked at the Talon plant for 42 years.
After Talon closed, he worked at K&S tool and NuTech tool until he retired. With David’s love of the outdoors and the camp he built in Warren, PA, he helped establish the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Snowmobile Club and the ATV Club.
He also established the Meadville Deaf Club and was president for several years.
He devoted much of his time to the Erie Silent Club and held the positions of vice president and treasurer and participated in many events that brought the deaf community together.
David married Norma Jukes in September 1965 and had four children David (junior)Carlson (Merry Beth) of Kilmarnock, VA, Karen Hettenbaugh (Randy) of Warren, PA, Timothy Van Nort (Rhonda) of Meadville, PA, Bonnie Guffey (Cameron) of Meadville, PA. Seven grandchildren Devin Hettenbaugh of Warren,PA, Ryan Hettenbaugh of Ramstein, Germany, the late Dustin Delo of Meadville, Kaleigh Van Nort of Meadville, Camryn Guffey of Meadville, Madison Van Nort of Guys Mills, Cameron Carlson of Kilmarnock VA.
Visitation will be held from 1-2 pm and a celebration of life service from 2 pm on Monday March 20, 2023, at the New Beginnings Church on 13226 Leslie Road, Meadville, PA. Walter Clark will be officiating the service.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Erie Silent Club at 3044 W 26th St. Erie PA 16506 or the Meadville Active Aging at 1034 Park Avenue, Meadville, Pennsylvania.
