David Herbert Hrdlicka

David Herbert Hrdlicka, 74, passed away on December 24th, 2025. Born on August 10, 1951, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he was the son of The Reverend Herbert Hrdlicka and Anna (Leven) Hrdlicka. He was predeceased by his brother, Paul Hrdlicka, and is survived by his sister, Ruth (Hrdlicka) Muenzen.

David lived a life defined by service, loyalty, and deep devotion to his family. As a 13yr old student he demonstrated remarkable courage when, while working as a crossing guard, he pushed children out of harm’s way and was struck by a car. In recognition of his bravery, he had the honor of meeting President Lyndon B. Johnson.

He was an Eagle Scout and remained dedicated to Scouting throughout his life, leading expeditions — including trips to Okefenokee Swamp — and later serving as a Cub Scout Den Leader for his son’s troop. His love of nature was shaped during summers spent in Maine, where he developed a lifelong passion for the outdoors — especially for turtles, which remained one of his greatest joys.

David served four years in the United States Navy, stationed in Georgia at the Naval Air Station and continued his leadership as a Boy Scout troop leader while in service. On a New Year’s Eve blind date, he met the love of his life, Joanne (Zenzius) Hrdlicka of Wantagh, New York. They married in 1974 and shared 51 years of marriage filled with love, partnership, and affection.

The couple began their life together in Clyde, North Carolina, where David earned two associate degrees in Fish & Wildlife and Forestry. He went on to build a distinguished career with the U.S. Forest Service, serving over 30 years in New Hampshire and Virginia before retiring in 2007. As a crew chief, he fought forest fires across the western United States and mentored countless young forestry workers, leading trail crews and sharing his enthusiasm for the outdoors — including his well-known love of running chainsaws.

A self-taught handyman, David spent decades renovating his New Hampshire home with care and pride. He found great happiness in time spent with his family — canoeing, “turtle hunting,” and sharing his love of Maine, especially its lobster, with his children.

David also cultivated a deep appreciation for craft beer, becoming an accomplished homebrewer who won numerous awards in New Hampshire and Virginia. He was a winner of the Samuel Adams LongShot Competition, earning the opportunity to brew his beer at the Samuel Adams Brewery in Boston and a trip for two to the Great American Beer Festival in Denver. He also played a role in helping to open Lighthouse Brewery in New Hampshire.

A devoted member of his Lutheran church, David gave generously of his time, assisting with groundskeeping, participating in volunteer trips, and working with the Woodchucks to provide firewood to those in need. He had a huge heart and a special love for animals, caring for a wide variety of pets over the years, including lizards, snakes, frogs, ferrets, and beloved grand-dogs.

In retirement, David enjoyed traveling with Joanne and their friends, brewing beer while listening to The Moody Blues, and spending cherished time with his children and grandchildren. He especially loved fall afternoons spent watching football.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne; his daughter, Tracy Scully and her husband, Jason Scully; his son, Michael Hrdlicka and his wife, Katy Richards-Hrdlicka; and his two grandsons, Cameron and Parker Hrdlicka.

David will be remembered for his courage, generosity, humor, and unwavering love for his family, nature and community. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the values he instilled in those who knew him.

David’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026 at 4:00pm at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Christiansburg, Virginia.