David W. Messer

September 11, 1938 - February 28, 2020

David W. Messer, 81, husband of Jo-Ann (Rosenthal) Messer, of Royersford, Pennsylvania, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020 in Sanatoga Center. Born on September 11, 1938 in Wethersfield, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Miriam (Lovewell) and Harold Messer. David achieved two Masters Degrees, one in Biochemistry and one in Business, both from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Troy, NY. After 34 years in the pharmaceutical industry, he retired from Sanofi, in Drug Regulatory Affairs. After his retirement, he continued his career as a distinguished author, having been the author and editor of the Triumph Series and Conquest I, which were historical documentations about the Pennsylvania Railroad. David was a member of the Pennsylvania Railroad Society, where he conducted many presentations and was a master model railroader. He had been published in railroad magazines many times. A member of Royersford Baptist Church, David served on many committees, was the nursery school treasurer and oversaw maintenance of the building facilities. He was a member of the Rock Garden Society, a Board Member of the Begonia Society, enjoyed stamp collecting, gardening, bird watching and was an avid reader. He loved spending time by the ocean relaxing and swimming. David completed many quality needlework works that are framed and throughout the house or were presented as gifts. With a passion for the arts, he loved classical music and attended many operas and ballets. For many years he was a conservator of the environment, particularly at home. Most importantly, David enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. In addition to his loving wife, Mr. Messer is survived by his children: Paul Jean, husband of Patricia Messer, of Burlington, NJ and Lisa, wife of Christopher Pfeifer, of Avondale, PA; stepchildren: Kevin Heidt, husband of Melissa Dorshimer, of Pottstown, PA and Rebecca Heidt, wife of Kristen Stitt, of Pottstown; six grandchildren: Ryan, Kelsea, Saige, Autumn, Olivia and Rory; and one great-grandson: Jack. Relatives and friends are invited to attend David's Celebration of Life at the Royersford Baptist Church, 452 South Lewis Road, Royersford, on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 11:00 am, with reception to follow. Officiating will be Rev. Marcia Ricketts. Friends will be received from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made in David's name to the National Wildlife Federation, www.NWF.org/Donate. Arrangements are being handled by the Cattermole - Klotzbach Funeral Home. Condolences may be offered online at www.RoyersfordFuneralHome.com.