David Lee Mankamyer

David Lee Mankamyer 86 of Tampa, FL and Friedens, PA went home to the Lord on April 11, 2025 and his beloved wife Judith K (Pile) Mankamyer, who passed away in 1995.

Wife Judy was the daughter of the late Wilbert D. “Dutch” and Bernice Pile of Friedens, PA. Born July 31, 1938 in Brothersvalley Township, David was the son of the late Reverend

Raymond and Sylva (Kendall) Mankamyer and one of 12 children. His parents, wife, and 6 siblings have preceded him in death. Dave has 3 children, Alan Mankamyer, 

Davidsville, PA, Kelly (Kelly) Lohr, Friedens, PA, and Chris Mankamyer, Tampa, Fl. He has 4 granddaughters, Kady Lohr and Abby Lohr, Friedens, and Lexi Mankamyer of

Morgantown, WV and Ella Mankamyer, Davidsville, PA. A member and leader in the Friedens Lutheran Church throughout his life he was guided by his faith and he built upon that rock a beautiful life. Dave, as most knew him by, was a businessman, farmer, pilot, and politician and Veteran of The US Army, serving in Germany. He loved Somerset County and worked tirelessly in many capacities to better agriculture, the environment, recreation to showcase Somerset County’s wonderful resources, and promote the business climate. Dave once said, “I decided if I was going to have a legacy of public service, it was going to be that of a builder, and in my eight years in public office, I kept that commitment in mind in every office and board I served.” He served as Chairman of the Somerset Conservation District and Somerset County Conservancy, spearheading many projects to clean up acid mine drainage in the Stonycreek and Casselman Rivers. Serving two terms as Somerset County Commissioner, he worked to build the Court House Annex, he led the development of the Rails to Trails in Somerset County and helped complete the Great Allegheny Passage Trail.  Dave aided in the purchase of the Quemahoning Dam and establishment of the Cambria Somerset Authority to jointly own and operate several watershed resources between Somerset County and Cambria County. As a businessman, Dave owned and operated two car washes, an aerial application business, and a beef farm. Aviation was one of his greatest passions. He loved giving rides in his helicopter and airplane. Dave passed his passion for aviation on to his two sons who became commercial pilots and his love of farming on to his daughter. The environment and advocating for the best in all that he was involved in was always first in his vision and initiatives. In retirement Dave enjoyed flying, farming with his daughter, time with his granddaughters, and winters in Florida. Dave will be remembered by all with whom he worked as he had the ability to bring visions and compromise together. Dave lived life to the fullest and lived faithfully until he gained his heavenly wings. In lieu of flowers, donations to memorialize Dave can be forwarded to the Friedens Evangelical Lutheran Church, Somerset County Conservancy, or the Great Allegheny Passage Trail.  Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Friedens Lutheran Church from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 pm. George Mason Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

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