Dave Richards Sr.

Our 2026 Honoree

This year’s event honoree, David Zehner Richards, Sr., was a cherished member of Frosty Valley Country Club since 1967. A dedicated golfer and active leader, Dave served on the FVCC Board of Directors, including a term as House Chairman, where his expertise and ‘can-do’ spirit helped shape the club’s facilities and community. Dave grew up in Selinsgrove and was a 1957 Penn State mechanical engineering graduate. His career, which began at Kennedy Van Saun in Danville designing and building mineral processing equipment, quickly accelerated leading to extensive international business travel throughout the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. He retired in 2004 as Vice President. Dave was a dedicated community member serving many organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Boy Scouts, Danville School District, the United Way, Danville Area Community Center and the Danville Revitalization Corporation. Until his passing at age 89 in December 2024, Dave was married to wife Maryann for 65 years. Together, they raised four children: Dave Jr. (Lorrie), Kelly, Allison (Drew Pensyl), and Rob. The Richards family spent countless joyful days at Frosty Valley—golfing, swimming, playing tennis, or gathering for family reunions during golf tournament weekends. Allison and Drew are current Frosty Valley members. Dave was renowned for his sharp, sarcastic humor that kept everyone smiling (and occasionally groaning). His friends and family still quote his one-liners today, chuckling at the memories. While Dave loved the game and played courses around the world, his greatest joy was time with his grandchildren: Keith and Kyle, Lauren and Meghan, Alex and Dylan, Rocco and Zane, Josh and Kayla. He delighted in driving them around in the golf cart, patiently teaching golf etiquette, divot repair, ready golf, and respectful cart driving. Slow play was his biggest pet peeve—if you played with Dave, you played fast! Behind slower groups, he often could be found weeding the course flowerbeds while waiting, turning frustration into productivity. We honor him at this year’s event not just as a golfer or leader, but as a devoted family man, faithful volunteer, and pillar of integrity whose warmth, wit, and work ethic touched us all.