David D. Cordier

David D. Cordier, Sr. of Laureldale, passed away peacefully in his home in the presence of his loving family on Saturday, February 4, 2017. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Francis (O'Brien) Cordier also of Laureldale and a brother, John (Jack) Cordier of Mertztown. David is survived by his life-long friend and wife, Shirley V. (Schlener) Cordier and a son, David D. Cordier, Jr and his wife, Brenda of Hamburg. David has two grand-children, David D. Cordier III and his wife, Cyndi, of Shoemakersville and Brooke L. Raifsnider and her companion, Katie Einsel of Bernville. There are six great-grand-children, Sage, Dylan, David IV and Jacoby Cordier and Carter and Emma Raifsnider. He is also survived by brothers William Cordier of Harrisburg and Tim Cordier of Myrtle Beach, SC. There are several nieces and nephews. David was a graduate of the Muhlenberg High School. He worked for his father at Cordier's Garage, Laureldale, for about thirty years. He then purchased the family business and worked there through mid 2016. From the time his son could pick up a wrench, the two of them worked at the family garage and many fond memories of their special time together were created. In David's younger days, he raced a Flathead at the infamous Reading Fairgrounds Raceway. He drove the #57jr for Bob Wertz. Later, David drove his own car the #507. David was also was a crew chief for the Sock Valariano 6jr, Kurt Weller's #51 and Denny Zerbe's #twin 0. He remained active in racing activities and was a member of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society. David and his son continued to promote races at the New Reading Fairgrounds Raceway in Bernville. In addition, they also promoted indoor go-kart races every year at the PA Farm Show Complex. David was heavily involved in his son's Super Sportsman and 410 Sprint Car racing as he was the chief motor man. David and his wife founded and owned Shellhammers Speedway in Leesport for the past forty-two years. The success of the speedway is one of the longest running in the go-karting industry. Many people know him as "Mr. Go-Kart". David will be deeply missed by his racing family. David's legacy in the racing world will resonate for decades to come. Visitation will be held Friday, February 10, 2017 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Burkey and Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc. 40 S. 4 th Street, Hamburg, PA 19526. A funeral Mass will be Saturday morning at 11:00 am at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. A viewing will be held from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the church. In lieu of flowers, David requested memorial contributions be sent to the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, P. O. Box 427, Temple, PA 19560. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com.