David A. Pardieck

Dr. David A Pardieck, husband, father, son, brother, healer, teacher, and veteran shed his earthly shell to be with the Lord, saints and predeceased family February 27, 2026. He was surrounded at home by his loving family. David lived a life full of love and laughter. He was a masterful combination of embodied wisdom, unconditional love, equal parts strength-humility, skillful caretaking and a silly wit used in abundance.

David was born in Greensburg, IN, the youngest son of 6 loving children and first to attend college—though many in family followed. A faithful Catholic, he attended seminary initially to become a priest, but returned to his grade-school sweetheart Rita in nearby Richmond, remaining happily married for 58 years. His loving parents Joseph and Agnes taught him abiding love, deep faith, and the values of hard work on both the family farm and the family’s legacy auto-parts business. David graduated from University of Dayton in 3 years and Indiana University Medical School in another 3 years. He joined the Navy right after college serving as a naval physician for 6 years, with an honorable discharge. Stubborn and determined, you always wanted him on your side. And a secret, he was always on your side.

As a physician, David first served in Navy Hospital in Charleston in 1970, another 5 years in Dayton, OH and remaining 35 years as a general surgeon at Trident Hospital, including time as Chief of Surgery. He was always with his dear friend, co-advocate and office manager, Rosie. He saved countless lives in the ER or OR while spending hours on his feet healing the sick, his answer to a life in ministry. He cherished his many friends, colleagues, nurses and patients. He patented the phrase “a scar is born” for each new careful and small as possible incision. Soon after a heart attack at 43, he focused on hernias to spend more time with his family. As he brought a loving bedside manner to his master skills, family frequently hears the welcome sentiment, “are you related to Dr Pardieck, we loved him!”

Most of all, Dr. Dave was a loving patriarch and fierce advocate for his family. His wife, Rita, was truly the love of his life and an inspiration to all who witnessed their love affair. The strength of that love powered four children whom he loved dearly: Mopus (Matt), NeNe (Renee), Bumpus (Ben) and Little (Rachel)—all nicknames reserved to dad. The family thrived in togetherness & silliness throughout, even to the end. The family bonded with fun, with dad as “king of the nerds!”

He lost his youngest daughter Rachel in 2015 to cancer, widely considered the best of us and an invaluable treasure to David. This was one of many times the family would rally for each other and we take great comfort in their heavenly reunion.

David is survived by his loving wife Rita, sons Matt (Alissa) and Ben, daughter Renee (Ken), son-in-love KC (Amy); grandchildren: Matthew, James, Alex, Samuel, Logan, and Lilly; and sisters Barbara (Mcbride) and Marylin (Sittloh). He is predeceased by daughter Rachel; and brothers Jim, Bob, and Bill; and parents Joseph and Agnes.

All are welcome for viewing and celebration of life at McAllister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 347 Folly Rd. Charleston 29412 ,Thursday March 5th from 6pm to 8pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am, Friday March 6th, at Church of the Nativity, 1061 Folly Road. Internment will follow the Mass at Holy Cross cemetery 604 Ft Johnson Road, with close friends, family and military honors.

A reception will be held at the family home after internment.

In lieu of flowers, family would appreciate donations in David’s name to: www.braintumor.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation ~ James Island, 347 Folly Road, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, (843) 614-8494.