David J. Sautter, Sr.

David James Sautter, Sr., 95, died peacefully in his home in Warrington, PA on September 8, 2024. David was born and raised in Abington, PA. The son of H. James and S. Warnie Sautter (née Slack), he was a proud graduate of the Salisbury School in Salisbury, CT in 1947, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1951.

In 1952 to 1954, David served in Korea and Japan as a Corporal at headquarters for the US Army 5th Cavalry Regiment. He was proud of his service, though he did not call attention to it. He believed those more in harm’s way deserved more of the credit. During his time overseas, he earned a National Defense Service Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, a Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, and a United Nations Service Medal.

After his service, David spent a year teaching high school English in Maryland before embarking on a 30-year career in banking in Philadelphia. Having retired in 1985 as Senior Vice President of Fidelity Bank, David bought 40 acres in Lehigh County, designing and building a new family home. He devoted his long retirement to traveling the world, and meticulously researching centuries worth of German ancestors, primarily from Saarland and Swabia. Throughout his life, David volunteered for and served on boards and councils of many organizations, including: Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, Cushing Junior College, Beaver College, Gettysburg College, the Radnor School District PTA, and the Lehigh Valley Visiting Nurses Association. For many years he coached baseball for Wayne Little League.

David was the husband of the late Mary Bowman “Polly” (née Haines) until her death in 1987. Together they resided in Radnor Township and Slatington, PA. He was remarried to Rev. Nancy Lindell (née Swayzee), with whom he lived in Allentown, Doylestown and Warrington, PA. David (or Dad, or Opa) was a remarkable man who lived a long, rich and vibrant life. He valued above all: family vacations (especially on Lake Champlain, VT and in Sea isle, NJ), making people laugh at his stories (and at him), loud, chaotic holiday gatherings, playing Oh Heck and other card games, supporting whatever was important to his wife, children and grandchildren, and asking questions to get to know people better. He was passionate about being a Penn alumnus, his Philadelphian roots, Philly sports teams, his travel experiences in Europe, and his role as “Opa”. He will be dearly missed. His memory will be cherished, and his love of laughter and people will inspire his family forever.

Survivors include:

Loving wife Nancy Sautter.

Children, stepchildren, spouses: Dave & Clare Sautter; Mary Sautter; Amy & Paul Valerio; Rich & Carolyn Sautter; Matt Sautter & Sally Shackleford; Mary (Lindell) & Chris Lucas-Miller; Jonathan & Sara Lindell.

Grandchildren: Arianna, Nico and Marco Valerio; Will, Devon, and Danny Sautter; Campbell and Jacob Lucas-Miller, Andrew and Henry Lindell.

A celebration of David’s life will take place at 12:00 on Friday September 13th at Woodside Church in Yardley, PA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to a charitable organization of your choice.

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