Potomac, Virginia — David J. Pshak, age 61, passed away on August 8th, 2019 at Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center Memorial Hospital.
David J. Pshak is survived by his wife, Maria, three children: Dorothy Towne, Carmen Landreville, and Jimmy Ott. He also leaves behind his brother, Doug Pshak, and his sister, Sally Roach. David was the loving Grandfather of eight grandchildren; Ana Dupler, Andrea Landreville, Joseph Landreville, Priscilla Allen, Krystal Towne, Brittany Ott, James Ott, and Madison Ott. He was also the Great Grandfather of Heming Dupler and Lukas Allen.
David was a patriot who retired after twenty years as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps and retired from the United States Department of State after serving eighteen years. He is a veteran of the Gulf War and the Haiti Intervention where he earned duty medals including the Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, as well as other awards and citations for his commitment to our nation.
David grew up in Streator, Illinois and is the son of Jerome “Babe” Pshak and Sharon Pshak. As a teenager and a graduate from Streator Township High School, class of 1975, he was actively involved in sports including Wrestling and Football. He was dedicated to being part of a team and never missed practice. His dedication to his teammates can be directly attributed to his work ethic and his natural leadership ability. His attention to detail was legendary and he took pride in the fact that he always instructing others and was proud of being a member of the Scout Sniper Instructor School in Quantico, Virginia and working with the State Department to train and educate others.
The discipline and patriotism he demonstrated while serving in the Marine Corps never left him, as friends and family will attest.
Funeral services will be conducted at Quantico National Cemetery sometime in March 2020. The family will provide specific information, as they get closer to the date of the funeral service. The family has provided the following email to provide condolences and/or stories for David Pshak at: TeamShak2020@gmail.com.
I was sorry to hear of David’s passing. I went to part of grade school and all of high school with him. Even then, he wanted to get into the military and serve his country. It sounds as if he did well. He was always a good guy and treated everyone well. May you rest in peace, Dave.
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family
Gunny P. Was my first co. Gunny in the fleet. He was awesome and loved by all under him. He didnt play but he was fair. The first time I met him I was checking in to the unit and reported to him after they had hiked in from the field, as he stood up to take my orders, wearing a Hawaiian shirt, flip flops and nothing else, while preparing his uniform for a inspection shortly after. Semper Fi gunny, still sore from the endless flutter kicks and singed marathons from 1995
I still remember the day you arrived as our platoon commander for echo weapons plt 2/2. You’re leadership and guidance were instrumental to our platoons ability to be the best we could be operationally. You’re words Stay Alert Stay Alive still resonate today with me. Till Valhalla Marine. Semper Fi.
Gunny Pshak was the true definition of a Marine. I had the pleasure to serve under him while with 2/2 E Co. You made us so much better than even we knew we could be and I will never forget you. I will never forget that laugh…Semper Fi Gunny!! Rest well, you served your country with the honor.
Another good one is lost! I remember him most from football practice. We called him Pusher, he was always pushing to get better and never heard a complaint, even in 3-a-day practices. Bless his sole.
Semper Fi, Dave! Rest in peace. Pete
Dave and I served together at the Scout Sniper Instructor Schhol. Where he was chief instructor. Tough, smart and compassionate- always eager to take more than his share of the load. A great. Ari e- he left us too soon!
Semper Fi Shak!
Dave was an awesome Marine and good friend,we served together at 3rd Recon, and crossed paths on numerous occasions. He will be greatly missed RIP My Brother
Sorry for your loss. He was a professional, and will be missed
God bless and Semper Fidelis Gunny.
My 1st memories of the ‘Shak go back to 3rd Recon’s days on Onna Point. Sgt Pshak, at the time, was our Platoon Sgt. His “Long Card” and “Very Long Card” P.T. sessions were legendary. He was a great Platoon Sgt who could teach a young Recon Marine something every time he spoke with one. I will always remember him say “Well, you could do it that way but…” always giving you the right way to do it. I would go on and be fortunate enough to serve with Dave J. a few more times in my career. GySgt Pshak was a great leader who did every task he undertook to the fullest. I was a better Recon Marine for having served alongside the ‘Shak. Our sincerest condolences go out to his Family. They have lost a truly good man. With the deepest of respect, W.T. snds
I knew Dave at 3rd Recon Bn when I first joined the ranks of the reconnaissance community. He will be sorely missed – rest in peace my friend!
AJ
Worked with Shak at the Scout-sniper instructor school and served with him in 1/5. I probably have more memories of him than any one Marine I had the honor to serve with. Definitely the largest character I ever knew. A true legend. I bet he was an awesome grandfather.
Semper Fi Shak.
I am sorry I did not call. I should have tried harder. I will miss and always remember when you came home to Grandpa and Grandma’s on leave back in the eighties all rummyied up then passed out in the middle of the livingroom floor , Grandma Sharon couldn’t get you to wake up and go to bed and I said I can get him up then went and got my feathers clip and clipped it to your eyelash but it got the eyelid to and you woke right up I ran so fast to hide under Grandma’s bed I was so scared I thought you were gonna beat me. Sure glad you didn’t though I will never forget you Uncle Dave, love your nephew, Eric .