David H. Clemens Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

David Henry Clemens, 88, died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Hallstead, PA on September 19, 2020. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Carol Jennings. His love of the outdoors and nature began at his birth on an apple farm in Stow, MA on November 8, 1931. He met his life-long partner Carol while they were students at Middlebury College; they were married December 22, 1953. Together, they raised 3 daughters, Sarah Smith (Michael), Paula Clemens (Jonathan Sewall) and Karen Dennis (Kevin Gates). Dave earned a PhD in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin, and then spent his working career as an organic chemist at Rohm and Haas in Philadelphia, PA. Upon retirement in 1990, Dave and Carol moved to the Endless Mountains where they were embraced by a loving community of friends. They were careful stewards of their forests, recognized as Tree Farmer of the Year for the northeastern region of the US in 2005. Dave and Carol were early members of the community-based collaborative non-profit, Friends of Salt Springs Park, Inc. With others, they supported the creation of trails and programs at Salt Springs Park and the Florence Shelley Preserve. Dave pursued many hobbies including woodworking, gardening, birding and growing orchids. For many years, he brought one of his blooming orchids to Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church, his home congregation, for each Sunday service. Dave was gracious, generous and kind. He loved his family and cherished their visits, especially by his grandchildren Arthur, Laura, Melanie, David, Alex and Mary Versa and his great granddaughter Layla. Dave loved living on the hill with the view down the valley. Interment will be at Franklin Hill Cemetery. Details of a graveside burial service will follow. Memorial donations, in lieu of flowers, may be directed to Franklin Hill Presbyterian Church and Friends of Salt Springs Park.

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David H. Clemens

November 8, 1931 - September 19, 2020