Dr. J. David Lortscher

Dr. Dave of Moneta passed peacefully November 3 ^rd 2018, after a three week battle due to cardiac complications. It is fitting given Dave’s love and respect for Saint Hubert, that he chose the “Feast day of the Patron Saint of Hunters” to depart this world for the heavens.

Dave, 79, was born in Rochester, New York and adopted by Dorothea and George Lortscher of Pittsford, New York. He is pre-deceased by his parents.

He is survived by Joyce Silco Lortscher, his loving wife of fifty-four years (Moneta, Va.) His sister Mary Jane Lortscher (Canandaigua, NY). His sons David (Tracy) Lortscher of (Honeoye, NY) and Mark Lortscher (Moneta, VA.). His grandchildren, whom forever held a special place in his heart, Drake and Kaitlin Lortscher (Honeoye, NY). His brother-in-law Tom (Wenda) Silco (Pittsford, NY) and several nieces, nephews and cousins, also a lifetime of dear and special friends from prison ministry, church, business and hunting.

Dave graduated high school from Glenclyffe in Garrison, NY.   He furthered his education at St. John Fisher in Rochester, NY, earning a Bachelors of Arts in English. His post graduate work began at Syracuse University where he earned a Masters in Science degree. Dave spent the next 20 years working for Eastman Kodak Co. as an executive manager of marketing. After retiring from Kodak, Dave started his own business as a marketing consultant, counselor and later as a successful real-estate agent at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia.

In 1981 Dave began helping in prison ministry “Resident Encounter Christ” weekends, talking to and counseling inmates. His thirst for learning and a desire to help people took him back to school while working full time. 1987 he earned a second master’s degree, this one in Theology from Saint Bernard’s Institute. Never one to sit back, he furthered his ability to help others by graduating from Colgate Divinity School in 1989 earning his Doctorate of Ministry, with Distinction by earning a 4.0 in all doctoral classes.

Over the next thirty years, Dr. Dave (as he became affectionally known by his friends and peers) continued to help rehabilitate & counsel prisoners, ex-inmates, alcoholics and couples in need.

Dave loved to travel with Joyce, his sons, grand-children and his friends. He loved playing poker and was a ranked member of the World Poker Association. He loved other card games and games of all sorts. He was an accomplished author, having written many articles and two fiction Christian books, receiving a 3 ^rd place Certificate of Achievement award by the Christian Writers Awards in 2014. He was always looking for adventure and knowledge usually not far from nature or God.

Dave’s real outdoor passion was hunting. Dr. Dave embarked on many adventures in his lifetime. Deer hunting was always his passion. From his early days sitting in the woods of the “Williamsburg” and the hills & valleys of Canadice, to Anticosti Island, Virginia, Oregon and beyond Dave never missed a chance to be with God in the woods.

Dave’s passion would eventual take him globally, where he would hunt on four continents.   From the Artic Circle to Argentina, and from Scotland to South Africa he harvested many animals that are now in the Safari Club International record book. Dave left his legacy not only on the record books, but with the people he met along the way.

In his life, as it was with his hunting, the true trophies were the memories made with his family & friends, the lives he touched and the people for whom he made life better.

Always the gentleman, we are all better people for having had him touch our lives.

As God’s and St Hubert’s disciple, may he find peace in heavens everlasting woods.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Dr. Dave’s name to one of the following;

Lake Christian Ministries, P.O. Box 695. Moneta, VA 24121-0695.

St. Francis Springs Prayer Center, 77 Grogan Rd. Stoneville, NC 27048

Scruggs Volunteer Fire Dept & Rescue Squad, PO Box 844 Hardy, VA 24101-084

Funeral services will be conducted at Resurrection Catholic Church, 3:00 p.m. Thursday, November 8, 2018. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. His family will receive friends starting at 1:30 p.m. until time of the service at the church. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount/Smith Mountain Lake.