Mr. David E. Rearick Jr., 72, of Jacksonville, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017, at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville.
Born in Kittanning, Pa., he was the eldest of three children born to the late David Elias Sr. and Dorothy Leona Wilhelm Rearick. He grew up in Lincoln Borough, Pa., and attended Glassport High School. In July 1964, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam during the Vietnam Conflict. After his honorable discharge, he returned to the Mon Valley in Pennsylvania, where he worked in chemical manufacturing as a shift chemist for 35 years before retiring in 2004 and moving to North Florida.
In his leisure time, he followed in his father’s footsteps as a skilled woodworker. His other interests included camping, hunting and fishing; spending time with family; and being involved with the Nassau Humane Society.
Mr. Rearick leaves behind his wife of 48 years, Frances Marya Rearick of Jacksonville; their daughter, Lisa Rearick of Jacksonville; their son, David Rearick and his wife, Bonnie, of Lebanon, Ohio; two sisters, Sandra Rearick and Carol Straud (John), both of Elizabeth, Pa.; three granddaughters, Krista, Amanda and Hannah Rearick; and three nieces, Sarah Straud, Rebecca Straud (Carlos Salvo) and Rachel Sutliff (Bill).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant grandson, Matthew Rearick.
Funeral services honoring his Methodist faith will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 25, in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard.
Mr. Rearick will be laid to rest in Jacksonville National Cemetery, where military honors will be accorded by the U.S. Army Ceremonial Detachment.
His family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, at Oxley-Heard, 1305 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach.
In lieu of flowers, please honor his love for animals with a contribution in his memory to the Nassau Humane Society, 639 Airport Road, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034.
Please share his Life Story and leave your memories and condolences at www.oxleyheard.com.
Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors
