David C. Nerthling

David C. Nerthling, “Nerth”, 63, of Fairview, PA passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 5 surrounded by his loving family.  

He was born in Erie to the late Carl H. and Helen L. Nerthling.  He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Doug and is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Chris and his four sons, Carl (Jess) of Pocono Township, PA, Shawn of Erie, PA, Tyler of Salt Lake City, UT and Scott of Pittsburgh, PA. He is further survived by his sisters Debbie Rettman of Oldsmar, FL, and Tracy Reinhardt (Jack) of Lake City, PA, as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins.

He spent his entire 42-year career at Nerthling’s Heating and Air Conditioning providing comfort to Erie area homeowners. He didn’t consider owning Nerthing’s a job. It was an opportunity to help people. People weren’t customers or employees to Dave, they were family. His greatest rewards from owning Nerthling’s were solving problems, providing warmth and comfort, and most importantly, building lifelong relationships.

When asked his proudest accomplishment, he immediately said his four boys. Dave was proud to watch them become independent, hard-working young men. All four played sports at Fairview, and Dave had the freedom to attend their games, help in the booth, work with parents and boosters and build some of his most treasured friendships and memories. On top of being a father, Dave was so grateful that he and his wife, Chris, were able to spend time with all of their boys as friends; he knew how rare that was and he was so thankful for that precious gift.

Getting sick can go a few different ways. Some see it as a horrible thing, a curse. Others see it as an obstacle or a challenge to overcome. Yet others see it as a teacher, a companion, and maybe eventually, a blessing. This was Dave. He thought of his caregivers, especially Lauren and the staff at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Erie as friends and family - his angels. He often shed tears of gratitude over their care for him. The most important thing they taught him was how to live with cancer, not die from it. It was a great gift. Because of the way Dave lived his life, cancer didn’t win. It never even stood a chance.

Dave’s life is summed up by the beautiful quote from W. B. Yeats, “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends.” You never had a friend like Dave.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home, Girard, 525 Main Street East, on Thursday, March 7^th from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., and are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, March 8^th at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 7100 West Ridge Road, Fairview. 

In lieu of flowers, you can carry on Dave’s memory by making a gift in his name to your favorite charity.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com