David F. Sander

David F. Sander, 69, died Saturday, August 28, 2021 of COVID-19 complications.

Dave was born in Pittsburgh on May 20, 1952 and was the youngest child of the late Vivian V. and Henry F. Sander. A current resident of Verona and a lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh area, Dave graduated from Bethel Park High School. He attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering for a little over a year before deciding on a career as a drafter in Pittsburgh.

Dave’s interests ranged from intricate math calculations to cycling and running. He loved science and history, especially WWII history. When he decided he needed to “do something completely different and meet new people,” he turned to dancing. This, of course surprised his sisters. It seemed out of character at first, but Dave loved salsa dancing and the people he met. He became an accomplished dancer. He was known as a vibrant and humble salsa dance partner who was warm and welcoming on the dance floor. Over the past decade, Dave developed deep friendships through dancing at Pittsburgh’s Los Sabrosos Dance Company. He was also a member of Salsa Fuego Congress and USA Dance Chapter 3007.

Dave’s favorite salsa dance memory was dancing with Alien Ramirez, World Latin Dance champion. He wrote that she picked up on his “unusual invented movements” and followed his improvisations seamlessly. It was a thrill for him to dance and express his creativity with Ms. Ramirez as a partner.

Dave was a thoughtful son, and he cared for his mother through the early and middle years of her advancing dementia, living at the family home in Bethel Park to do that. He managed all the household tasks, her care, and cooked what his mom said were “turning out to be pretty good dinners!” His sisters are deeply grateful that he did this so selflessly.

Dave was fond of big family gatherings like birthdays, weddings and graduations, and he drove all over the country to attend them when he could. He also enjoyed traveling and liked to reminisce about his trips across America. One of his favorite trips was a memorable one he took to Hawaii with a dear friend.

Dave’s love of life and joyful attitude lit up a room. He often had a funny pun or joke to share. When you were his friend, you were a friend for life. He is leaving behind so many loved ones and friends, and he will be dearly missed by his family. Dave is survived by his sisters Diane L. Wahlers and E. Christy Steiger, cousins, many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, Robinson Township, PA.