David Charles Wild

In loving memory of Dave Wild, 71, of Reading, Pennsylvania. Beloved brother, friend, and witty individual, Dave died peacefully September 27, 2026 at Reading Hospital.

He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 10, 1955 to the late U. S. Navy Lieutenant Commander B. Charles Wild and his gracious wife, Dolores M. Wild. Dave often said he had an idyllic childhood, one that he came to appreciate more and more later in life.

His formative years were rooted in the strong family values passed on to his immediate family by his maternal grandmother, Erna M. Maas. She immigrated to the U.S. from Germany in 1923.

Dave found a world outside of Pittsburgh in the many books he read. But he longed for real adventure. He found it at the world capital of hang gliding with the Sylmar Hang Gliding Association. An accomplished hang glider pilot, Dave launched from scenic Kagel Mountain, a 3,547-foot peak in the San Gabriel Mountains of Southern California.

His employment in telecommunications brought him back to the Reading area. When he was not watching low-budget B movies filled with creative plots and humorous dialog, Dave devoted himself to bodybuilding.

It was at Wyomissing Fitness that he met his best friend, Adrian. Dave enjoyed many fine times over the years with Adrian, Kaitlyn, and their family. They became, in a sense, his beloved chosen family.

Dave’s interest in fitness also led him to another type of family, his co-workers at GNC. In his final years, Dave managed the GNC store in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. He exuded a positive, authoritative attitude with customers while saving his playful, quirky sense of humor for his co-workers.

Dave’s dear friend Leon was a guiding light at work. Their professional relationship set a welcoming, friendly tone at the store. Dave also appreciated the friendship of his colleagues Eric, Christina, Harry, Cody, Larry, Edward, and numerous others he met.

Dave was a memorable figure, knowledgeable about fitness, and a true individual. However, to those who knew him best, he was a beloved friend defined by intense devotion and kinship.

Dave is survived by—and deeply missed by—his sisters, Holly Mills and Linda Bailey, and their husbands, Davis Mills and Brian Bailey. Dave’s close-knit circle of friends and his family are grateful to have spent time with him in his lifetime journey.

Honor Dave with simple acts of kindness—pet a dog; be patient in times of trial; and recognize the love of God, family, and friends in everyday life.

Online guestbook and condolences may be made at www.whelanschwartz.com