Hackett

David A. Hackett, 83, of Renfrew, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Born in Pittsburgh, David was the son of Russell and Constance Hackett. He went to Richland High School, Class of 1961. He was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame with the 1960 football team; he was one of only two four-year lettermen.

He fell in love with and married his high school sweetheart, Eleanor B. Kuhl. They were married for 63 years.

While in Pittsburgh, David worked for Tesone Trucking Company. He and Eleanor moved to Miami, Fla., in 1965, where he worked for Maul Industries and Cummins Engine Company. In the dead of winter in 1977, they moved to Renfrew. In 1986, David started his own business, Diesel Services Unlimited. He was a master machinist and engine builder. If he needed a special tool for a project, he made it.

He loved hunting and fishing and enjoyed NASCAR races. He also loved traveling the country with Eleanor, his navigator, by his side, pulling his Airstream with the truck he designed and custom built, a one-of-a-kind, 1993 GMC truck with a 2000 Caterpillar 3126 engine (typically seen in medium-duty trucks). In 2015, David and Eleanor stopped in at the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza and entered “Dave’s Dream Truck” into competition. His truck won first place in custom class and was featured in the April edition of Diesel Power Magazine.

He was the beloved father of two daughters, Bonnie Zadernak (Bill) and Linda Hackett (Tim Sullivan); and grandfather of four grandchildren, Lauren Zadernak (Walter Sippel), Scott Zadernak (Katie), Jack Sullivan and Reese Sullivan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Russell Hackett; and his son-in-law, Bill Zadernak.

HACKETT — There will be no visitation for David A. Hackett, who died Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. A celebration of life will be held for friends and family, to be announced at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Shriners Children’s Hospital in Erie.

Arrangements are under the direction of MCDONALD-AEBERLI FUNERAL HOME, 238 Crowe Ave., Mars.

Directions and condolences are available at www.mcdonald-aeberli.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.