Dave Gassert
After graduating from college in 1983, Dave Gassert moved to the Harrisburg area to start his first job. He didn’t know many people in the area.
Dave’s mother contacted CPUCC member Pat Greenawald – the Gasserts and Greenawald had attended the same high school. That was all the motivation that Pat needed to start calling Dave every week to ask if he wanted to go to CPUCC on Sunday.
Since he was looking for things to do on the weekends and he was tired of watching the Philadelphia Eagles lose repeatedly, he went down the “slippery slope” of first attending intermittently, then attending often, to eventually becoming a member on March 3, 1985. Pat had done the job!
Dave had grown up in Berks County. Throughout high school and college, his biggest “hobby” was being an athlete.
“I was always terrible at organized sports,” Dave said. “But I did manage to be a Division 1A swimmer in college. I have enjoyed doing various runs, triathlons, and open water swims with friends ever since. Those activities keep one healthy and humble.”
Dave worked hard and earned a degree in engineering and became a registered engineer. Along the way, he met and married his wife, Jenny. She had also grown up in Berks County. The Gasserts are the parents of a daughter, Maggie, who lives nearby in the Mechanicsburg area with her husband, Jake. The family treasures the memories they have made together.
He hopes to start gradually winding down to retirement soon after practicing geotechnical engineering and construction quality review services for more than 42 years.
When asked about what he likes about attending services at CPUCC, Dave said how much he enjoys seeing all the familiar faces and catching up with friends. He also appreciates hearing a good sermon and reflecting on it.
But he just doesn’t attend the church. Dave Gassert is part of the fabric of CPUCC. He is a lay reader, and attends the Library Sunday School class. He has served on the church council and is currently on the Bridge to Tomorrow committee. Dave also assists other committees with various tasks.
“Everything I have done seems a little different than what I have done before, and I like the variety,” he said. “It always feels good to know you have made some sort of contribution, no matter how small.”
Dave says it is hard to pick a special memory from his time at CPUCC because there are so many. But he fondly remembers summer picnics with the Sunday School class, the mission trips to West Virginia and Tennessee. He feels that the teams have really made significant differences in the lives of those they helped.
Admiring the dedication of all the people who do so much for CPUCC and never quit helping, Dave feels inspired.
“The many people at CPUCC understand what things in life are important, and what can lead to a fulfilling life,” he said. “Being around those people helps me grow, and it could help others grow too.”
Dave thanks all those who do what they do, and do it, expecting nothing in return.
We at CPUCC also are thankful to Dave Gassert for all he has done as well.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Dave’s sister recently retired as a pastor at several UCC churches?
March 2026
Meet other members of Colonial Park United Church of Christ by clicking HERE.
