David Joseph Arrington, Jr

David Joseph Arrington, Jr., 50, of Big Run, passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at Punxsutawney Area Hospital.

He was born in Jeannette, Pennsylvania on October 27, 1971, a son of David Joseph Arrington, Sr. and Berneda Louise (Getsko) Arrington. His parents survive and reside in Montgomery, Texas.

Mr. Arrington served in the United States Navy from 1990 to 1993.

He fell in love at first sight and on June 14, 1996, he married the love of his life, Karen Anne Mitstifer.  She survives and resides in Big Run.

Dave worked as a family resource specialist for Justice Works Family Services.

He has previously worked as a Paramedic for Amserv LTD Dusan Ambulance and Jefferson County EMS. He volunteered his service as fire police to Big Run Volunteer Fire Company.

Dave had a huge, kind and loving heart for everyone he ever met. He was an amazing man that everyone could go to and talk with. He was a great listener; he consoled the broken hearted and always encouraged others to see the good in themselves. His door was always open to anyone and especially kids that needed a place to stay. He went out of his way to make sure that people had whatever they needed, including in his line of work. He and his wife Karen fostered many children over the years and most remained a permanent part of their lives through adoption or just the loving bonds that were created. Halloween was Dave’s favorite time of the year, he and the family always hosted the best spooktacular event in Big Run.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by his step-son, Dayton Root and wife Theresa of Phillipsburg, son, Perry Arrington and Shawntal Eger of DuBois, adopted son Gage Arrington of Big Run and fiancé Clairissa Gallo; foster sons Gage Aiello and Gerald Overbeck of Big Run; grandchildren, Alisha and Emily and Archer Arrington; one sister, Wendy Battaglia and husband Paul of Montgomery, Texas; In-laws, Dayton Wayne Mitstifer and Carol Jean Mitstifer of Liberty, PA; brother in-law Michael Mitstifer and wife Deb of Middle Berry Center, PA; sister in-law, Paula Kay Phillips and husband Harold of Morris, nieces, Bella, Ellie and Samantha; nephews, Luke and Dale; many cousins.

Friends will be received from noon until 7 p.m. on Friday, November 26, 2021, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Big Run and from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday, November 27, 2021, at the First Church of God, 23 Skyview Drive, Punxsutawney.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church, officiated by Pastor Rob Van Fossen.

Memorial donations may be made to the family or to Big Run Volunteer Fire Company.

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