Born on May 26, 1941 in Erie, Pennsylvania
Passed on September 28, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida
David “Dave” Pifer
May 26, 1941 – September 28, 2025
David “Dave” Pifer, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Dave was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, to David E. and Evelyn Pifer. He is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Peggy; his children Kurt (Lauren), Kristen (Toby), and Kelly (Kevin); and his beloved grandchildren Michael (Natalie), Will, Hannah, Maggie, and Fin. He is also survived by his brother Jay Pifer (Faye); sisters-in-law Joanne Holst (Marvin), Lynda Osborn, Joanne Osborn; brother-in-law Duane Osborn (Suzi); and many nieces and nephews.
Dave and Peggy were high school sweethearts, crowned prom king and queen, and married on December 29, 1962. Dave earned his degree in Physical Education from Western New Mexico University and his Master’s Degree from Slippery Rock College in Pennsylvania. In 1964, they moved to Florida, where Dave built a lifelong career as a teacher and coach. He began at Johnson Junior High School in the late 1960s before moving to Palm Bay High School, where he coached football and wrestling and taught Physical Education.
Dave dedicated his summers to serving his community, running a youth recreation program with Peggy at their church for more than 25 years and managing the Fee Avenue Pool. Teaching, coaching, and mentoring young people were at the heart of his life’s work, and he inspired generations of students in Brevard County through athletics, academics, and faith.
Above all, Dave loved his family. He treasured vacations, summers off together, and cheering on his children and grandchildren in all of their activities—from sports to musicals to even pickleball matches on a cruise ship. Football was his lifelong passion, and he was especially proud to watch his grandson Michael play for the U.S. Naval Academy, rarely missing a home game.
After retiring in 2003, Dave and Peggy traveled the world, enjoying cruises and adventures with family and friends. He was blessed with a wide circle of lifelong friends who shared in his joy for travel, sports, fellowship, and service.
Dave lived a full life anchored in faith, family, and community. His presence will be deeply missed but his legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched including his kids and grandkids.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 1:00pm:
First United Methodist Church of Melbourne
110 E. New Haven Ave
Melbourne, Florida 32901
Reception to follow immediately after in the Church Welcome Center.
All are welcome!
12 entries.
Janis
from Mason wrote on October 6, 2025:
My deepest sympathies extend to you dear Peggy and family. David touched so many lives. Love you, Janis Mason
felicia Betger
from Palm Bch Gdns wrote on October 4, 2025:
Peggy, Kurt, Kristen, and Kelly,
When Emily told me this sad news, it seemed impossible. I picture Dave on his bicycle from the photos posted on FB. He always looked young, vibrant, and healthy.
My condolences to all of you and the extended Pifer family on his passing. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m thinking of you. I didn’t know Dave and Peggy were Prom King and Queen, wow. And 63 years is truly amazing! Keep the memories in your heart and cherish them forever.
Kirk Dressander
from Lutz wrote on October 3, 2025:
I have been good friends with Dave and Peggy’s son Kurt for over 30 years. I had the opportunity to meet Dave and Peggy a couple of times and his strength of family bond was clear. Kurt always talked of the wonderful times they had together with family and especially their trip to Costa Rica where they shared a home in the hills as their base for numerous adventures. Dave will be sorely missed and his legacy will continue. He is in Gods hands now and his suffering has ended and for that we are grateful. God Bless the Pifer family.
Keturah Mazo
from Melbourne wrote on October 3, 2025:
Our neighbor of over twenty years, we will miss you. You touched many lives here. Blessings to you and your beloved family.
Bobby Pittman
from Malabar Fl wrote on October 2, 2025:
There are people that stand out in your life that made a difference to us. Coach was one of those true leaders who gave encouragement and guidance in life and helped us be better. Had an opportunity to run into him months ago and it was so good to catch up. May God bless the family and know that his spirit will live on for many of us in our memories.
Betty Wells
from Loudon, TN wrote on October 2, 2025:
Being a former teacher at Palm Bay High School, I have great memories of fun times with teachers there at the same time. I also became good friends with Peggy through organizations and couple gatherings. Chuck and I have so many cherished memories of this couple along with so many others. We feel so blessed to have known the Pifers. They were a couple we looked to with admiration for their convictions to their faith and family and living a full life, remembered by many. Peggy you are an amazing lady and I treasure our friendship. Dave will surely be missed. I think of you daily and pray for peace during this difficult time, but we all know Dave is with his Savior and looking down on you with a smile!!! God Bless You and your wonderful family. Betty & Chuck Wells
Steve Puckett
from Palm Bay wrote on October 1, 2025:
Dave was a great friend and a gifted coach. I enjoyed working with him and the Palm Bay High football team during the 80's. He always had a smile and he was always clear with his players about their responsibilities. His players loved him. That football family was one of the best experiences of my life. His family was always an example of what a family should be like. May God watch over Peggy, Kristen and the rest of the family.
Diana Patton
from Melbourne wrote on October 1, 2025:
Dave and Peggy Pifer are longtime friends of my Dad and Mom and me. Our family love Peggy and family. My condolences and prayers to Peggy and Kurt and Kristen and Kelly and grandchildren. The Lord Is My Shepherd. Psalm 23.
Norman Schrader
from Union City, Pa wrote on October 1, 2025:
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of Dave. He has been an inspiration to all who have met him. I will miss talking to him.
Diana Patton
from Melbourne wrote on October 1, 2025:
Dave will always be remembered. Peggy and Dave are special friends to me and to my Dad and Mom and my sister. My prayers and condolences to Peggy and Kurt and Kristen and Kelly and grandchildren. The Lord Is My Shepherd. Psalm 23.
Angela Baldasare
from Monroe wrote on October 1, 2025:
I didn’t know Dave personally, but I’ve been so blessed by his legacy. He and Peggy raised the most kind and loving children—one of whom I’m grateful to call my best friend in Kristen. The love, strength, and faith he poured into his family lives on through his children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you walk through this journey. May the closeness of your family and community bring comfort and strength. Sending all my love
Jan Sellers Weber
from Satellite Beach wrote on October 1, 2025:
Coach was such an important person to so many students. He was caring and kind always.!! He loved his family and shared many stories of how proud he was. I loved him and will miss him. It was extra special to me that my son, Pastor Lou, was his pastor for many years. Pastor Lou adored him!!!Love and hugs to you Peggy and family from all of us in the Weber household. Rest in Peace sweet Coach until we meet again🙏🏻
Born on May 26, 1941 in Erie, Pennsylvania