“Education never ends. It is a series of lessons, with the greatest for the last.” -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

YORK, Pa. — Walter David “Dave” Trenton, man of medicine, ardor, and community, had his last, greatest lesson on Dec. 12, 2023, at the age of 73.

Dave was a man who loved community. He sought and found it every place he went. Born on Dec. 3, 1950 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. to Eloise and John Trenton, he was a firecracker with bright red hair and clear blue eyes. Nothing gave him more pleasure than raising hell and living life to the fullest.

This zest for life led him to his next chapter, Greenbrier Military School. There he found a motley crew of boys who grew into adulthood together. He then attended West Virginia University, where he graduated with a BA in Biology and in a twist of fate, as if being spun back to center, he returned to Greenbrier to attend the newly minted West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine. He found his purpose and drive in the same halls in which he grew up. Dave loved medicine. He loved the science, the frantic pace, the privilege of being such an important part of his patient’s lives. He loved his classmates, professors and attendings and the sense of community that comes from the shared joy and trauma of becoming a physician.

Dave went on to become a champion of women’s reproductive health. After completing his Rotating Internship at Grandview Hospital in Dayton, Ohio in 1980, he fell in love with obstetrics, completing his Ob/Gyn Residency at Doctor’s Hospital of Stark County in Massillon, Ohio. He then built a thriving practice in Somerset, Pa. Wherever place medicine took him, Dave could be found tearing up and down winding mountain roads, cold coffee from an extra-large coffee mug staining the floor of his old Bronco as he took turns at pace well past the posted limits, pipe smoke billowing out the window as he rushed to the hospital. He was the first face generations of babies saw as they took their first breath. He found peace and purpose in bringing life into this world.

After retiring in 2006, Dave found new joy in cooking, wine, travel, colorful clothing, and getting to be a part of the world around him after a life dedicated to work. He was a voracious reader, who loved the Wall Street Journal, Sherlock Holmes and dabbled in the classics like Garfield and The Far Side. He always lived by the motto, “go big or go home,” and as he entered the final years of his life, he did so boldly and with grace. He found his final community in his caregivers. He delighted in hearing about their families, daily lives, and small things that connect us to one another. He loved a drop-in, a handshake, hugs. He delighted in the tiny details of life that were shared with him.

While there are so many to thank and so many he treasured at Wellspan, he wanted to give a special recognition to Dr. Chakravarty, LeAnn Ream, Dr. Madathil, Dr. Malik, Dr. Patel, Dr. Vranian, Dr. Harvey, Dr. Shah and Kim Saunders for giving him the gift of the last year of his life.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife Megan, his moon and stars, his endearing sidekick Gizmo, and a large and boisterous, blended family including his children Brooke, John, Hannah and Jessica and grandchildren Zadie, David, Lucille, Clara, Lola, Liam, Piper, Connor and Killian.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Dr. David Trenton to Women’s Health, c/o WellSpan York Health Foundation, 2500 South George Street, York, PA 17403.

A private celebration of life service will be held at the convenience of the family.
Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Rd., York is in charge of arrangements. Send condolences at HeffnerCare.com.