David “Dave” Clarke Speicher, Jr., a musician, businessman, devoted family man, and longtime pillar of the Seaford and Bridgeville communities, passed away on Sept. 3, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Dave was born Nov. 10, 1954, to David Clarke “Everett” Speicher, Sr. and Charlotte Speicher.

Dave attended Oral Roberts University for a year before graduating from the University of Delaware. After working at Scott’s Furniture, he became the owner of Sit & Sleep in Salisbury in the 1980s. He brought his creativity and sense of humor to the business, creating his own memorable commercials.

Dave later spent 33 years at WBOC, selling advertising and eventually becoming Director of Sales. He became a mentor and friend to many of his colleagues. When he retired in 2022 and was asked what he would miss most, his answer was immediate: the friendships, by far.

Dave was deeply committed to his community. He served as president of the Seaford Swim Association and the Seaford School Board for many years and was active in the Lions Club, always looking for ways to help others and better his community.

Music was one of the great loves of Dave’s life. A gifted musician with an incredible singing voice, he played his first paid gig at just 12 years old and performed for nearly six decades. Over the years, he played with Chasin’ Time, Encore, Take Two, The Astrotones, and finally the Cruzers. Dave also recorded radio jingles with his longtime friend and bandmate Phil Perdue.

Dave’s love of music was also an important part of his faith. At St. John’s Church, he helped create 2B1, the praise band for the contemporary service. The band recorded a CD that held a special place in Dave’s heart, including his original Christmas song, “Joseph’s Dilemma (Trying Hard to Understand),” which could be heard on the radio during the holidays.

Dave was a devoted father to Clarke, Stacy, and later Matt. He enthusiastically supported them at concerts, swim meets, and every endeavor throughout their lives, always wanting them to know how proud he was of them. His grandchildren, Isla and Finn, brought tremendous joy to his life, as did his beloved dog, Marley.

Dave and Kim were married for 22 years. They loved each other deeply and were each other’s best friend, sharing their love of music and family.

Dave is survived by his wife Kim; his first wife, Debbie Speicher of Lewes; his brother, Daryl Speicher of Laurel; his niece Danielle Glunt (David) of Laurel; his son, Clarke Speicher (Thrisa) of New York; his daughter, Stacy Baker (Neil) of Wilmington; his stepson, Matthew Lank (Gabriella) of New Jersey, who are expecting their first child; his grandchildren, Isla and Finn Baker and the Mears family of parents-in law, brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life honoring Dave will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. at Willowbrook, 8275 Cannon Road, Bridgeville, Delaware 19933.

In keeping with Dave’s lifelong love of music, in lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to AMP Studio/Academy of Music Performance, 27223 Patriot Drive, Salisbury, MD 21801 (Tax ID #82-2536892) or Venmo using @SusanBailey1869. Donations will help give young people the opportunity to experience, learn, and make music—and to keep the music playing for another generation.

And so, the curtain has fallen on Dave, but the music he made, the love he gave, and the lives he touched will continue to play on.

To leave a condolence visit www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.