David C. Kasper, 72, of Warren, PA. died suddenly at his residence, Friday morning, January 9, 2015 after suffering an apparent
heart attack. He was born September 23, 1942 in Milwaukee, WI. David was the son of Carl A. and Esther Keller Kasper. He was a
1960 graduate of Southwest High School in Kansas City, MO, earned
his bachelors from University of Missouri Kansas City and earned his
Master’s Degree from Buffalo State University.
David was very proud to have served on the USS Constellation, with the U.S. Navy in Japan during the Vietnam War, as a Lieutenant. He earned a Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, Vietnam Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and National Defense Service Medal.
He was employed with Fredonia State University as their Student Affairs Director retiring from there after 29 years employment. During that time he produced concerts for the likes
of Billy Joel, the Mamas and the Papas, the Kingston Trio, The Letterman and Glen Miller Orchestra as well as comedy shows with Jay Leno, Bill Cosby and Steve Martin.
He was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church and the church choir. He had served as Past President of the board of directors of the Warren Concert Association and Crary Art Gallery, was a member of Chautauqua Chamber Singers, Warren Players Club and had sung with the choir at Trinity Memorial Episcopal Church. David was a very talented and focused actor, performing from Warren, PA. to Art Park in Buffalo, NY where he had a stand-out performance in the opera “The Mikado.” He was a very accomplished pianist. David loved model trains, Siamese cats and is remembered as a wonderful man with a great sense of humor, who loved spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Sally Ann Dahl Kasper, one son – Scott Kasper and wife, Beth of Kansas City, MO., 2 stepsons – Robert Dilks Jr. and wife, Jennifer of Warren,
PA., Jason Dilks and wife, Allison of Oil City, PA., one sister – Barb Millette and husband, John of Houston, TX., six grandchildren – Jensynn Kasper, Jackson Kasper, Jeremy Kasper, Bailey Dilks, Kelsey Dilks, Jackson Dilks, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister – Marion Childers.
A Memorial Service will be conducted at the First Presbyterian Church, 300 Market Street, Warren, PA. on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Jeffrey Ott, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, PA. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through the Crary Art Gallery, 511 Market Street, Warren, PA. 16365 or the Warren Concert Association, P.O. Box 844, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences
may be sent by visiting lewisfuneralhomeinc.com The Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. has been entrusted with David’s funeral arrangements.
We are saddened by our Uncle David’s passing and will greatly miss his laughter and warmth. Nieces, Katharine Childers Martin and Jean Childers-Arnold, daughters of Marian Kasper Childers.
Dear Bob and Family,
So sorry to hear of David’s passing. Love and prayers,
Sharie Van Gilder
My love to you Sally, and family of David. What a dear man I will miss him very much. We were singing buddies in the chamber singers, and in “Man of LanMancha” together. This is so sad. xo
Sending my sincere condolences to Sally and all of the family on the passing of dear friend Dave. I wish I could get there with you. I have so many fond memories of our wonderful times together: the rehearsals, performances, weddings, and great conversations on our rides going from place to place to sing. Rest in peace Dave…I know God’s choir of angels just received another wonderful bass voice!
My sincere condolences – Dave was one of the first people who greeted me when I moved to Warren and introduced me to the Warren Concert Association. I will remember him for his love of theater and the arts… my thoughts are with you Sally and the entire family.
Sally, may you find peace in the wonderful memories you and David shared. I will remember David as a gracious and unique man. I loved hearing his stories of the arts and theater.
I will miss seeing him walking around town.
My thoughts go out to you Sally and the family.
I want to extend my condolences to the family. Dave is always someone I will always remember from my days at Fredonia.
Aunt Sally, Bobby and Jason and Families – So very sorry for your loss. Our love and prayers are with you.
I was a Student at Fredonia and was fortunate to know him. He was a kind of mentor to me and I have many fond memories of his advice, wisdom, and humor. Although I learned a lot about life from Dave, I didn’t realize it at the time. I regret not keeping in touch with Dave over the years, he was a wonderful man.
I met Dave when I was a student at Fredonia in the 1980s. He was a kind and helpful and I remember him fondly. My condolences to his family and friends.
Our deepest sympathy to all family members. A caring and talented man will be mised by many. So sorry for your loss.
I was a student at Fredonia from 1971- 1975. Mr. Kasper was my mentor, inspiring my student leadership at the Union. Just today, I was thinking of who it will be to inspire my grown children, now in college, to make their professional choices. My mind immediately thought of Dave, and I remember the many hours when as I picked his brain, or while he sat beside me, encouraging me through new tasks because I was not yet brave enough to fly solo. Well, I have been a college professor for 30+ years, and I mentor students daily. I owe much of my inspiration for college life to him.
I am deeply surprised and saddened by his passing. And I hope that my brief story of how he helped one shy 20 year old through art gallery openings, concerts, dance marathons, and fund raisers will bring a smile to a grieving family. What a lovely, honorable, and inspirational man. I recognized then, but more so now, what a privilege it was to work by his side for four years.