David Vining Obituary

David R. Vining, age 84, of Oxford, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in West Virginia, David spent his early years in Brooklyn, New York, where his parents, Rev. Robert Vining and Evelyn Vining, served a local Presbyterian congregation. When his father was called to lead Bethany Presbyterian Church of Nottingham, the family moved to southern Chester County, where David grew up and made Oxford his lifelong home.
After graduating from Oxford Area High School, David married Judy Norris, and together they raised two sons. Mark Vining and his wife Kimberly of Wildwood, Florida, and Michael Vining and his wife Marlene of Oxford, Pennsylvania.
David was deeply proud of his family, which grew to include six beloved grandchildren-Danielle, Michael, Justin, Kayla, Robert, and Jared-and two great-granddaughters, Ayesha and Amirah, daughters of Danielle and her husband Tamzid. His family brought him great happiness, and he found joy in seeing each generation thrive.
A Lifetime of Service
David's life was marked by a strong sense of duty and service to others. He devoted more than 61 years to the Union Fire Company No. 1 of Oxford, beginning as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance crew member. Over the decades, he rose through the ranks to become Assistant Chief and received several recognitions for his dedication, including the President's Award, Fire Fighter of the Year and a host of others.
In the early years of the fire company, David took part in countless hours of community fundraising-supporting events like the Oxford Firemen's Carnival, Bingo Nights, and Community Banquets. He often said it was a privilege to serve alongside the men and women who dedicated themselves to protecting their neighbors and their town. His time at Union Fire Company was one of the great constants of his life, and the friendships he built there remained dear to him.
In his later years, David shared his life with Becky Taylor, who preceded him in death. Becky was both his close companion and his fellow first responder. Together, they ran countless ambulance calls as dedicated members of the Oxford community.
In addition to his volunteer service, David fulfilled a lifelong goal when he became a full-time paid firefighter and driver for the West End Fire Company No. 3, Station 43 in Coatesville. His professional firefighting career was a point of great pride, allowing him to make a living doing the work that had long been his calling.
A Working Man's Journey
David's career reflected the strength, reliability, and perseverance that defined him. In his younger years, he worked as a farmer, farming on the halves on three different farms. Eventually he purchased and rented a number mushroom houses in Southern Chester County where the family grew mushrooms. Though he was not raised in a farming family, he learned the trade through persistence, self-reliance and the plenty help and guidance of neighbors and friends. He appreciated all of those who helped him in life.
He later worked for Walker Oil Company, delivering fuel to construction equipment used to build the Route 1 Bypass. He also spent many years as a charter bus driver, traveling routes between Philadelphia, Wilmington, New York City, and Washington, D.C. There were also trips to Football, Baseball and Hockey games, ski resorts in Vermont and New York, and historic sites like Williamsburg, VA. He was often able to bring his sons along, giving them cherished memories of travel and time together.
Later in his career, David joined Lukens Steel Company in Coatesville, where he worked as a driver and K-Mag operator, responsible for moving large sections of steel within the plant. At the time, only a handful of operators in the country were certified to operate the specialized K-Mag equipment, and David's reliability and skill earned him a trusted reputation among his peers. When Lukens acquired a second K-Mag vehicle, David was sent to Oregon to inspect and certify it before delivery to Pennsylvania-an honor that reflected both his experience and his steady professionalism.
Even after retiring from Lukens Steel, David remained active. For many years, he worked seasonally at Camp Saginaw, maintaining the grass and fields with care and pride. He enjoyed the work, the equipment, and the sense of purpose it gave him.
A Steady and Honest Life
David will be remembered for his integrity, his quiet strength, and his unshakable work ethic. Whether behind the wheel of a fire truck, tractor, or bus, he gave his best to every task and every person who relied on him.
He was a man of few words but deep character-a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend whose loyalty and kindness spoke volumes. His life was one of service, humility, and love for family and community.
Funeral Arrangements
A service to celebrate David's life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Ruffenach Family Funeral Home in Oxford, followed by interment at 11:00 a.m. at the Oxford Cemetery.
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