It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and greatest papa, David Michael Onyskow. David was born on August 15, 1946, to Mary and George Onyskow, and passed away on April 8, 2026, at the age of 79, after a very short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

David graduated from Penn State University in 1968 with a degree in accounting and went on to build a long and dedicated career. He began his career at Lasser Accounting Firm before eventually starting his own practice, where he was known for his strong work ethic, reliability, and the pride he took in providing for his family.

He met his wife, Deborah Dodge, while they were both working at General Cinemas—Deborah as a graphic designer and David on the accounting team. They dated for several years before marrying in May of 1982, building a life centered around family. Together, they raised their family in Sharon, Massachusetts. Deborah predeceased him, and he carried her memory with him always—she was forever his love.

In the last 12 years of his life, David dedicated himself to helping run his daughter-in-law’s preschool, The Learning Ladder. He put so much heart into the school, working behind the scenes to support its growth and success, and took great pride in being part of something that meant so much to his family.

David was a devoted father to his son, Oliver Onyskow, and daughter, Angelia Hernandez-Leites; and a loving father-in-law to Ashley Onyskow and Jose Hernandez-Leites.

He was a proud and deeply devoted grandfather to Owen Routhier, Camryn Onyskow, Oliver Onyskow, Kayleigh Miller, Xavier Hernandez-Leites, Isaiah Hernandez-Leites, and Gabriel Hernandez-Leites. Being a grandfather was truly the center of his world. He showed up for everything—whether it was school events, sports, or just time spent together. He never missed a chance to be there, to support, to cheer them on, or to simply make them feel loved.

He would do anything for his grandchildren at any time, without hesitation. Whether it was helping, guiding, or just being someone they could always count on, he was their constant. He could always be talked into a trip to Five Below or a candy store, and he loved spoiling them every chance he got. You would never catch him out without one of his “Papa” shirts on, and he loved when people would stop him so he could proudly tell them all about his grandchildren. The love he had for them was unwavering, and the bond he shared with each of them was incredibly special. They brought him so much pride and joy, and he made sure they always knew how much they meant to him.

He had a larger-than-life personality that you couldn’t miss. He had a way of walking into any room and instantly making it feel lighter. He was always cracking jokes, quick with a one-liner, and loved making people laugh. Whether it was family, friends, or someone he had just met, he made everyone feel comfortable and welcome. His sense of humor was a big part of who he was, and it’s something everyone will always remember about him.

David is also survived by his siblings, Frances Onyskow, Edward Onyskow, and Richard Onyskow. He was predeceased by his brother, William Onyskow, and is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

David will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his steady presence, and the way he always showed up for the people he loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His absence will be felt deeply, but the impact he made on his family will last forever.

Family and friends are invited to attend David's visiting hours on April 22nd from 3:00-6:00 PM with a funeral service to follow at 6:00 PM at the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street (Rte. 58 @ the rotary) Whitman.