Obituary of David Lee Hall

David Lee Hall, Ph. D, 69, of State College, died Saturday, December 26, 2015 at Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College. Born June 15, 1946, in Blockton, IA he was the son of the late Clarence B. and Dorothy Keenan Hall. On May 20, 2003 he married Beth A. McLaughlin, who survives at home. He first married Mary Jane Moyer on August 23, 1969 who died on August 22, 2001. He is survived by his two daughters Sonya Anne McMullen and her husband, Mac, of Philadelphia and Cristin Marie Hall and her husband Jeremy Moeller of Boalsburg. Also surviving are a brother, Phil Hall and his wife Sue of Tipton, Iowa and his twin sister Wincie Armiger and her husband Jon of Lawton, Michigan; and 4 grandchildren Aaron, Allison, and twins Jonah and Sabrina Moeller. Dave graduated from Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, IA in 1964 before joining the U.S. Air Force. He graduated from the University of Iowa where he studied Math and Physics and Penn State University where he studied Astronomy and Astrophysics and completed his Ph. D in 1976. Dave lived a life that few can imagine. He grew up in rural Iowa to parents who valued education and learning. As a boy, he ground his own lenses for telescopes to view the stars and imagine worlds beyond our own. His acumen for math and science led him to learn more about astronomy and turn his love of the stars into a successful career in both industry and higher education. As a leader he served others as teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. He was "the people's Dean" of the College of Information Sciences and Technology. He was loved by all who knew him. The real essence of Dave, though, was his huge heart. Many words that describe Dave are: kind, loving, generous, and gentle. He loved his family and he took care of them. Dave was a twin himself and when he was given grand-twins, Jonah and Sabrina, his love knew no bounds when they called him, "Grand-Dad." We his family will never get over his loss. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at The Penn Stater Conference Center and Hotel on Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Following this service, a reception will be held for everyone to share stories and continue celebrating the life of this remarkable man. A Private Burial will be held at Arlington Memorial Park, Whitehall, PA Memorial Contributions may be made to Centre County PAWS 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801. (www.centrecountypaws.org). Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.