David Stafford

David M. Stafford, 69, formerly of Sinking Spring, passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021 in the St. Joseph Medical Center.  Born in Reading, he was the son of the late Clarence C., Jr. and Thelma (Trout) Stafford.  Dave graduated from Reading High School in 1970, where he honed his basketball skills as a member of the Red Knights’ basketball team. He was named to All-Central Penn first team his senior year.   He went on to play college basketball at Northeastern Nebraska JC for two years and transferred to Kearney State College (now University of Nebraska at Kearney) where he played varsity basketball and earned his Bachelor’s Degree.  He was a Physical Education Teacher at Wilson School District for 30 years before his retirement in 2011. During this time, Dave coached basketball at Wilson High School, winning Berks County Championships and qualifying for District and State tournaments.  He also coached at Kutztown University; however, Dave’s crowning achievement as a basketball coach was winning the PIAA District 3, Eastern State, and State titles while coaching for Steelton-Highspire School District, Harrisburg, in 2004-2005. Three generations of players cut their basketball teeth under the tutelage of Coach Stafford.  Many of those former players have gone on to play college basketball as well as enjoying careers as successful high school, college and NBA head coaches.  As a result of his impact on Berks County basketball, Dave was inducted into the Reading Berks Basketball Association Hall of Fame as a past member of the Monarch basketball team, which was named a Team of Distinction in the Berks Rec Leagues, and also inducted into the Berks County Basketball Hall of Fame.  If you met Dave and liked basketball, you had an immediate connection.  Although Dave’s passion was basketball, he enjoyed all sports (except soccer) and cheered on his beloved Boston Celtics, Green Bay Packers, and the Boston Red Sox. He also enjoyed camping and spending time with his many friends.

Dave is survived by his children, Heather Calloway, of Reading, and Shane Stafford, husband of Amy Do of Tampa Bay, FL.  He is also survived by his grandsons Shayne Calloway and Jaylin Calloway, and granddaughter, Jayana Calloway and his great grandson, Zhyon.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at 6:00pm in Bean Funeral Homes, 3825 Penn Avenue, Sinking Spring.  Celebrant Amy Landis to celebrate.  The family will receive friends and relatives from 4:00pm to 6:00pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that contributions be made to the Paul Worcheck Memorial Fund, 401 Harvard Boulevard, West Lawn, PA 19609.  Bean Funeral Homes, Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.