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David Leslie Shrock, 82, died unexpectedly on Dec. 22, 2022 at his home in Chesterfield. He was born in Utahville, the son of Doris Evelyn (Green) and Thomas Leo Shrock Sr. He graduated from BCI High School in 1958.
He is survived by his wife, Frances Gail (Schmid) Shrock, whom he married on June 18, 1966; a son, Jesse Shrock of Chesterfield; a daughter, Sarah (John) Yarger, and their children: Wesley, Samuel, Lewis and Leah, all of Coalport. He is also survived by his five siblings: Tom (Toots) Shrock, Kathy (Robert) Phillips, Gaye Scott, Gloria Arkwright and Robin (Denise) Shrock.
After serving in the Army, David moved to Chicago to work and attend DeVry Technical Institute. From 1963 until 1965, he attended classes at Penn State Altoona, where he initially studied engineering and psychology until he decided to follow his passion for art. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1968. David worked at University Park as an instructor in ceramic arts at PSU in 1969 before continuing his graduate studies. In 1970, he returned to working full-time with his father and brother at Shrock Body Shop in Coalport. He and his co-owner, David Repsher, opened Chesterfield Pottery, where David created beautiful pots from 1970 to 1976.
In 1985, David and Tom began to transition their business to making reproduction Studebaker parts. That year, they formed Shrock Bros. Toys and began the production of miniature model cars and trucks which were modeled by David, cast by Tom and painted and assembled by David and Frances. David estimated that he prototyped over 200 different Studebaker body styles. Many of the miniatures were one-of-a-kind or limited production.
David's hobbies included fabricating elegant solutions to difficult problems. He also enjoyed swimming, running, cycling, sailing, photography, drawing, painting, playing the harmonica, flea marketing, fixing and repurposing things, planting trees, creating beauty and spending time with his family. He supported the March of Dimes, which helped his parents when he and two of his siblings had polio in 1953. He was a member of the Glen Hope United Methodist Church. If you are so moved, donations to the March of Dimes or the Glen Hope UMC in his name will carry his legacy forward.
A celebration of life will be held at the Glen Hope United Methodist Church, 5985 Glen Hope Blvd., Glen Hope, on Saturday, June 17, 2023. Friends and family will be received at 1 p.m. with a service at 2 p.m. Fellowship and food will follow the service at the Glen Hope Volunteer Fire Company, 48 Pine St., Glen Hope. Casual dress is requested. David was most comfortable in denim.