David J. Repsher

David J. Repsher was born on July 22, 1943, to Amy Gray Repsher and John Jacob
Repsher in Laceyville, PA and passed away on March 15, 2024, surrounded by his
family at home after a brief illness.
Ultimately, he settled in Elmira, NY where after 25 years at Quality Welding Supply
Corporation he left his position as Vice President to pursue his passion in emergency
medicine. Beginning as a volunteer at Schuyler Ambulance Services, he worked with
Erway Ambulance Services for 50 years as paramedic #17 and was a graduate of
Southern Tier’s First Paramedic Course in 1993. Throughout his life and his time at
Erway, David touched many people, some he knew, most he didn’t, but he always
treated everyone with kindness, compassion, and had a unique sense of humor.
David is survived by his wife of 32 years Ann Repsher, daughters Felicia (Gregory)
Repsher Torres, Andrea (Christopher) Shields, Toni (Frank) West-Mejia, and Angela
(Jeffrey Ripley) Gillette. Grandchildren Sebastian Shields, Blake Shields, Mackenzie
Gillette, Xander Gillette, Jordan West, Charleigh Ripley, Arya Ripley, Camryn Ripley,
and great granddaughter Charlotte Shields.
Dave was the person you called when you needed help with a home improvement
project, company while you tinkered on your truck, or advice and guidance on life in
general. An avid stock and sprint car racing fan, Dave spent many weekends
throughout the years at Watkins Glen International racetrack as part of the safety crew
with Erway Ambulance.
He always practiced what he preached, lived with undeniable integrity, and “To make a
long story short” he would philosophically say, “You gotta be shittin’ me!”
We love you #17, signing off but never forgotten.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember David please consider contributing to your
local volunteer fire department or emergency squad.
Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 2 to 4 PM and 6 to 8 PM at
the Olthof Funeral Home, 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904. David’s
Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM, Friday March 22, 2024 at the Pennsylvania
Avenue Methodist Church, 1238 Pennslyvania Avenue, Pine City, NY, 14871 that will be
followed by a luncheon.