In Memoriam: Dave Heininger

Dave Heininger, the longtime director of the Joseph House Crisis Center, died on September 11, 2025, after a short hospitalization. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend. He brought dedication, humor, and a genuine love for others to his work. As a valued member of the Joseph House family, Dave was a true brother to the Little Sisters. He will always have a special place in our community’s heart.

Below is his obituary along with a gallery of photos. A few personal remembrances by those who knew Dave will be posted separately.

May God in His great love and mercy grant eternal rest to our beloved brother.

. . . . . . . . . .

David Heininger, 82, of Salisbury, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025.

Born on November 3, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, David was the son of Joseph and Florence Heininger. One of six children, he was raised in a home filled with faith and love. He attended Catholic school for 12 years, where the foundation of his lifelong devotion to God was built.

In 1961, David proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country until his honorable discharge in 1964. While stationed overseas, he embraced adventure—most memorably hitchhiking from Northern Italy to London, an experience he would never forget. After his military service, David lived in California, where he deepened his devotion to the Blessed Mother, which in turn drew him closer to his Lord and Savior. His Roman Catholic faith remained the cornerstone of his life, which guided him towards the service of others in Salisbury, Maryland.

For 28 years, David lovingly served with the Little Sisters of Jesus and Mary with 24 of those years as director of the Joseph House Crisis Center. There he oversaw the food pantry, soup kitchen, hospitality room for the homeless, and the financial assistance program. “Mr. Dave,” as he was affectionately known, was generous and wise, respectful and kind, especially toward the elderly for whom he had a special affection. Under his capable leadership, the Joseph House enabled thousands of people to stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and safe in their homes. David also served his community as a Knight of Columbus.

David also combined his love for service with his passion for golf by establishing the Joseph House annual golf tournament fundraiser. Golf was always a source of refreshment, relaxation, and often comic relief for him, and his golfing companions became some of his dearest friends. Known for his wonderful sense of humor, David had a gift for making those around him smile and laugh, bringing joy wherever he went.

David was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Florence Heininger, and his brother, Joe. He is survived by his loving sisters Marilyn, Patricia, and Dolores, and his brother Jerry, as well as many nieces and nephews who will carry forward his memory with love and purpose. David will be remembered for his strong faith to God, loving spirit, joyful humor, and abundant generosity.

Services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Saint Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 535 Riverside Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801. Military honors will be held at 12:30 p.m., followed by a funeral mass at 1 p.m. and a celebration of life gathering afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Joseph House Ministries, P.O. Box 1755, Salisbury, MD 21802, in honor of David’s lifelong commitment to serving God and his community.