David Jerome Wells, Sr. entered eternal rest on November 6, 2025 at the age of 62 in Mt. Joy, Pennsylvania, after a courageous battle against Stage 4 liver cancer. Born on July 1, 1963, in York, Pennsylvania, David grew up surrounded by a large and loving family whose roots, faith, and work ethic shaped the man he became. Over the years he called Columbia, Marietta, and Delta, Pennsylvania home. They were places where he built lasting friendships and a reputation for showing up when the people in his life needed him most.
David attended Kennard-Dale High School, where he was active in sports and proudly wore his football jersey. The gridiron taught him lessons that stayed with him for life: discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Those same qualities carried him into the trades, where his creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail earned him steady work in the construction and home renovation business. David eventually stepped out on faith and launched his own business, DW Renovations, which he led for more than 40 years. Clients knew him as a trustworthy and reliable professional who did quality work. Family knew him as the man who could fix just about anything—and he would drop everything to help.
David “lived” as enthusiastically as he “worked.” He found joy in the easy company of close friends, taking great care of the truck he was extremely proud of, and fiercely looking out for his children and extended family. David loved his music and he liked to dance. He celebrated the good times with an open smile and met the hard times with grit, resourcefulness, and the steady belief that better days could be built—one honest effort at a time. His hands were skilled, his judgment was practical, and his heart was generous.
Faith was a quiet constant in David’s life. In his youth, David and his siblings attended Trinity A.M.E. Zion Methodist Church in Delta, Pennsylvania, where the rhythms of worship, community, and service helped anchor him through life’s seasons. He was not one for grand speeches, but he showed his values plainly. You could see it in the loyalty he kept, the work he did well, and the care he gave without reservation.
Above all, David was a family man. He is survived by his companion, Josie Lee; his first wife Kelly Wilson, second wife, Sylvia Seales; daughters Melissa, Rosalyn, Brittney, and Alaina; sons David (“DJ”) and Quincy; and 22 beloved grandchildren who were constant sources of pride and joy. He is also survived by sisters, Cynthia and Theresa, brothers, Samuel, Neil, and Michael, along with 11 nieces and nephews who will carry forward “Uncle David’s” stories, sayings, and life lessons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel E. Wells, Sr., and Belva J. Wells, whose guidance and love he honored throughout his life.
Those who knew David will remember a man who worked with purpose, loved without hesitation, and protected what mattered most. He prided himself in his last name. As his kids will tell you, he would always end an encouraging conversation by telling them, “You’re a Wells. You can do anything you put your mind to.”
He was deeply loved and will be forever missed.
A memorial service will be held at Faith Outreach Center, 475 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy, PA 17552 on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes prayers, stories, and acts of kindness offered in David’s memory.
