David Albert Claar

David Albert Claar, 59, of White Oak, died Thursday, October 15, 2015. He was born June 3, 1956 in McKeesport and was the son of Mollie Theresa Navaroli Claar of Greenock and the late Albert Bryce Claar who died September 16, 2010. He attended St. Patrick Catholic Church in Christy Park and St. Angela Merici Catholic Church in White Oak. David was a volunteer at Kane Regional Center in McKeesport and the Angora Gardens in White Oak. He was a 1978 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He began his career with Pratt & Whitney in West Palm Beach, FL, followed by Eastern Airlines in Miami, FL, and USAIR in Pittsburgh. He later returned to the Pratt & Whitney Rocket Division and had worked on the Columbia Space Shuttle program. His devotion to reading books at an early age developed his passion to explore rockets, airplanes and the Solar System. David lived his life reaching for the Moon, and he knew if he fell short, he would land among the stars. He was an avid runner and Pittsburgh Penguins fan. He also loved trying out a new recipe from various cook books. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Jill Ivill Claar, son, Jordan Bryce Claar of Margate, FL, daughter, Jade Claar of Gainesville, FL, sisters, Marilyn (Ted) Shaffer of Greenock, and Carol (Dave) Murtha of Conneaut, OH, nieces, nephews, cousins and several aunts. There is no visitation. Private service will be followed by burial in Mount Vernon Cemetery in Elizabeth Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mon Yough Community Services. Arrangements are by the Gilbert Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 6028 Smithfield Street, Boston, Elizabeth Township. Condolences may be made at gilbertfuneralhomeandcrematory.com