David William Plank, 91, passed away Sunday, March 11, at Berkshire Commons in Reading, PA. He was born in Elverson, PA on March 6, 1927 to David K. Plank and Hannah Blanche (Roberts) Plank. He graduated from Birdsboro High School and attended West Chester College. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII.
Early in his career, Mr. Plank was a manager with Howard Johnson, Inc. and Hershey Creamery. From 1959 to 1974 he was the owner and operator of a Mister Softee ice cream franchise in Winchester. During that time, he also worked for Gray & Eddy men’s clothing. Following that, he worked in pubic relations for White Post Restorations.
While in Winchester, Mr. Plank was a founding member and first president of the Shenandoah Region AACA. He was also active in the Pottstown Region, and the Model T Ford Club. In addition, he had been active in the Hay Creek Valley Historical Association and the Dickinson Theatre Organ Society. He was formerly an active choir member of both Alice Focht Memorial United Methodist Church and Market Street United Methodist Church.
Mr. Plank enjoyed and appreciated old friends and new friends, old cars, old toys, and almost anything “Popeye.” He enjoyed music, both listening to and playing, including any that you “put a nickel in.”
Dave (Bill) was known as outgoing and gregarious. He was never shy about starting a conversation, whether with an old friend or someone he had just met. He loved to tell his stories, some more embellished than others. He will be missed by loving family and friends.
Mr. Plank is survived by his wife of 67 years, Betty Jane (Leinbach) Plank, a daughter, Deborah P. Borsi, a granddaughter, Giovanna T. Borsi, and four step-granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by a brother, James L. Plank, and son-in-law, Guido H. Borsi.
A service will be held at 2:30pm on Friday, March 16 at Dengler Funeral Home, 144 N. Spruce St., Birdsboro, PA 19508. Friends and family are welcomed to stay after the service for celebration and conversation.
Memorial contributions may be made to Macular Degeneration Research at brightfocus.org or Bright Focus Foundation, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871.