David Arthur Carter Sr., 81, of Monongahela, was born on June 15, 1940, in Bryn Mawr, Pa. He was stubborn as all get out and a conspiracy theorist by nature; a hoarder and a veteran of the U.S. Army as a specialist. David was a retired USX railroad worker of 20 years and a retired bus driver with over 25 years for MonValley Transit. He was also a loving great-grandfather, grandfather, father, brother and husband. On Dec. 29, 2006, he would marry the love of his life, Diane Petrosky Carter. She and their cat, Angel, lived with him in Monongahela, where they shared many happy moments. He was the father of Debbie Corson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Dawn Calabrese (Dave) of Waynesburg and David Carter Jr. (Jamie) of Jefferson. Also surviving him are a sister, Valerie; five great-grandkids and 11 grandkids. While he was affectionately referred to as “Crazy Grandpap Carter,” he was more eccentric with scattered thoughts of things kids just couldn’t quite understand — like why he kept important papers in the freezer. (Apparently it is because in case of a house fire, the refrigerator/freezer doesn’t usually burn.) Always quick witted and smooth-tongued, he was first to point out the obvious things others would miss. He never knew his own father, and family was just something his relatives talked about, but something he never felt until he had a family of his own. Family meant everything to Dad and he always prioritized it. Many, many spring, summer and fall weekends were spent in the car, driving the Pennsylvania countrysides. The rolling hills, mountains, birds, streams, trees, leaves and clouds all seemed captivating to three kids raised before the invention of video games. And Dad was a wealth of knowledge, which he just loved sharing every chance he got. Of course, as kids, we thought he was lecturing us and would roll our eyes. But the education he gave us via storytelling, even when it was fictional, was the foundation for our enduring journeys for continued learning. Community also meant a lot. He was very proud of his veteran’s status. He loved tinkering with cars and anything mechanical. He was a train hobbyist and jigsaw puzzle enthusiast who also loved yard darts, horseshoes, chess and cards. But don’t think for one second he’d let you win. That just wasn’t his way. He was more about teaching the lesson that wins come when they are earned and not before. He thoroughly enjoyed being a volunteer firefighter and EMT for both Clarksville and Dravosburg. Dad always needed to contribute, to leave every place, every person better than he found them, even if only by a little bit. His dry, sarcastic humor was probably his most endearing quality. He often told tales that made you think twice before he’d give it away with something obvious. As he got older, his health became tenuous. After multiple heart attacks, surgeries and medical regimens, two years ago he decided to stop taking all his medication, claiming it was making him sick. For the past two years, he only took supplements and looked better than he had in a long while. But the health issues were still there. When COVID-19 spread across the globe, he refused to get vaccinated and tried hibernation instead, despite the fact he was in a high-risk group. In the end, it was COVID pneumonia that would take his life. Blood clots spread like wildfires in his lungs and got to his heart. On Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, his second heart attack in two days would cause his body to give out while under the care of the professionals at Penn Highlands Mon Valley Hospital. His spirit would leave and his ashes and memories are all that remain of a life well lived. May you find peace, love and light for all eternity, Dad. We all love you and miss you so very much. You will always be in our hearts and memories. As long as we live — so do you. Knowing you would not approve of us sitting around mourning you, we will celebrate your life in a private ceremony in January 2022. We ask that if anyone is thinking of sending flowers to instead perform a random act of kindness, because our world needs more kindness. Thank you! MARSHALL MARRA FUNERAL HOME, 216 Chess St., Monongahela, 724-258-6767 is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences can be made at marshallmarrafuneralhome.com.
