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David Paul Koytek, 62, of Gallitzin, entered into the arms of Jesus on Thursday, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Taylor, Pa., to Stanley A. and Mary (Cebula) Koytek.
He married the love of his life, Karen, on Oct. 4, 2003, at St. Ann's Basilica in Scranton.
He is survived by his wife; and two children, Steven (Beth) McCloskey and Christiana (Ken).
David graduated from Riverside High School in Taylor in 1982. After a 20-year career as a produce manager at Price Chopper supermarkets, he obtained two degrees from Penn State University -- a BSN degree and a degree in business administration. After he and Karen got married, he worked a variety of nursing jobs, ending with his most loved job working in forensics at Torrance State Hospital. He retired in 2021 after 15 years of service with the State of Pennsylvania.
Being the epitome of a wonderful husband and father, David had his priorities straight from the beginning -- God first and then family. He was an extremely devout Catholic who loved Jesus and all of the saints with his whole heart! He fulfilled every need that his family had and did extra if he had to without complaint. He had a quiet strength and modeled his life after St. Joseph. He is going to be extremely missed and it's going to be hard to imagine life without him. He suffered so greatly for so many years and yet never complained because he knew it was God's will. He never went a single day without telling every family member that he loved them.
Friends will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026, at Gibbons-Houser Funeral Home, 301 Church St., Gallitzin, where a vigil prayer service will be held.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, July 20, 2026, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 211 Powell Ave., Cresson, with the Rev. Father Leo Arnone, celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery, Gallitzin.
The family would like to thank the Rev. Father Leo Arnone for not only being there for David, but for all of us as well. We would like to thank everyone who helped care for David over the past five years. You will never know how much you are appreciated.
The family suggests donations to the St. Francis Xavier Building Fund; or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org), two places very close to his heart.
"To my beloved Davone, save a spot for me so that we can be together for eternity. I will always love you with all of my heart! Love, your Karoni."