David Joseph Dvorchak
Smock
David Joseph Dvorchak was an avid outdoorsman and an all-around athlete who was a fixture on the Fayette County sports scene until an extended illness severely limited his activities. He died at the family home at 499 Laurel Lane, Smock, Tuesday, March 18, 2025. He was 73.
Dave, as he was known by his family and friends, had a magnetic personality and a unique sense of humor that made him stand out in any group. Quick to share, he was known to have opened his home to those requiring a helping hand.
Born April 11, 1951, he was the fourth oldest of nine children born to the late Edward A. and Marcella V. Garcher Dvorchak.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a younger brother, Kenneth.
Surviving are seven siblings: Edward Jr. of Bluffton, S.C., Michael of Upper Middletown, Robert of Penn Hills, Denise of Pittsburgh, Mark of Upper Middletown, Anita of New Salem, and Lisa of Oakmont. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.
After attending St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Elementary School in Uniontown, where he was an altar boy, Dvorchak was a 1969 graduate of Uniontown Area High School. He was a two-way starter for the Red Raiders in his senior year, when he was named to the All-County Team, and stood out enough to earn a scholarship from Ohio University. The Bobcats slotted him as a defensive end, and during his collegiate career, he played against the likes of Franco Harris, Don Nottingham and Don Strock, all of whom played professionally.
Having earned a bachelor of science degree, he moved to Delaware to take a sales position with IBM and later was eastern regional sales manager for the acrylics firm E. W. Carroll. He returned to Fayette County following the death of his father in 1977, working in construction before medical issues forced him to retire in 2012.
Dvorchak had few peers when it came to having zest for life, always stirring things up with a joke or a quip at parties.
In addition to his accomplishments on the gridiron, Dvorchak played baseball and softball with his brothers and was an avid follower of the Pittsburgh professional sports scene. A natural athlete, he learned to skate backwards the first time he put on hockey skates. He also excelled at golf and was a fixture on local courses through the years, playing in organized tournaments as well as friendly competitions. It was a rare weekend when he was not seen on the links engaging with his buddies.
Dave grew up in a family that loved to hunt and fish. He was a lifetime member of the Fairbanks Rod and Gun Club and frequented Keisterville Sportsmen’s Club.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, March 21, in the SHELL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 164 South Mt. Vernon Avenue, Uniontown. A short prayer service will follow. At his request, private services will be held for immediate family.