The Reverend Dr. David Philip Gellert

The Reverend Dr. David Philip Gellert, 83, of Lynchburg, Virginia joined his Father in Heaven on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.

David is survived by his loving and cherished wife of 57 years, Susan; his sons Garretson (Garry) John and David Randall (Randy); daughter-in-law Gina; grandchildren Ana Noelle and Garretson (Garret) Hunter; his sister Sandra (Gellert) Plunkett and brother Jack and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, William Francis Gellert and Eleanor Shirley (Garretson) Gellert McKay, as well as his step-father Robert McKay.

David graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Temple University, a Bachelor of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. Ordained in 1967 at Abington Presbyterian Church, David spent 40 years as a Presbyterian Pastor before formally retiring in 2007. David shared his passion for Christ as an interim pastor for 5 additional years, continuing to mentor, teach, counsel, and serve his Christian community until the time of his death. David’s Pastoral journey saw him serve as a religious leader and founding Pastor across numerous communities within the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Missouri, New York, Michigan, and Virginia.

Those who knew David, will remember him for his kind and gentle spirit, his sense of humor, his unwavering Christian faith, and his devotion to family, church and local communities.

A Celebration of Life and ministry will be held at 4:00 PM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church, Lynchburg, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation by clicking here .

The service will be livestreamed for those not able to attend in person.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.