David Margolis

David Steven Margolis of Lancaster, Pennsylvania died May 7, 2026 after a brief illness. David or Dave and Davy, as he was known to friends and family, was born in Coatesville Pa, on January 14, 1948, a city described as the “center of the universe” by the tightknit group of lifelong friends who remained close throughout their lives. David was born to Milton and Betty Margolis, who were pillars of the community.

David, a graduate of Coatesville High School and Bucknell University, was a talented athlete and remained an avid Phillies and Flyers fan throughout his life. After college, he spent two years in the Peace Corps in Columbia, South America where he helped indigenous people create small businesses. Upon returning to the states, he turned his winning smile and persuasive style into a career in sales, most recently with the Joy Baking Company, earning him the nickname of “Mr. Cone Man”. He knew every ice cream vendor up and down the east coast, and despite having sampled every flavor ever created, he only liked vanilla. David traveled extensively throughout his life, and in his retirement made several lengthy trips to Siena, Italy where he studied Italian and became one of the locals. He also learned to make a great lasagna.

David is survived by his compassionate sister, Marilyn Margolis and her husband Tom Willenbrock, his partner in love, Andrea Taylor, and his extended family—the many friends who loved and appreciated the complex, unpredictable and genuine man he was. He lost his beloved brother Roger in December.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Conestoga Country Club in Lancaster PA on Sunday, July 12, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. If you wish, contributions in his name can be made to the American Heart Association or your local Public Broadcasting Station, two organizations which he supported.