David Leslie Shrock

David Leslie Shrock, 82, passed away unexpectedly on December 22, 2022 at his home in Chesterfield, Pennsylvania.

Early Life

David was born on April 1, 1940 in Utahville, Pennsylvania, the son of Doris Evelyn (Green) and Thomas Leo Shrock Sr. He graduated from BCI High School in 1958.

After serving in the United States Army, David moved to Chicago to work and attend DeVry Technical Institute. From 1963 to 1965, he attended Penn State Altoona, where he initially studied engineering and psychology before deciding to follow his true passion — art. He graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 1968.

The Artist

David’s artistic career began in academia. In 1969, he worked at University Park as an instructor in ceramic arts at Penn State before continuing his graduate studies. He and co-owner David Repsher opened Chesterfield Pottery, where David created beautiful ceramic works from 1970 to 1976.

In 1970, David returned to working full-time with his father and brother at Shrock Body Shop in Coalport — a decision that would eventually lead to the founding of Shrock Brothers.

Shrock Brothers

In 1985, David and his brother Tom began to transition their body shop business into something entirely new. They formed Shrock Bros. Toys and began production of miniature model cars and trucks. The division of labor reflected each brother’s strengths: David modeled and prototyped the miniatures, Tom handled the casting, and David and his wife Frances painted and assembled the finished pieces.

David estimated that he prototyped over 200 different Studebaker body styles over the course of the business. Many of the miniatures were one-of-a-kind or limited production runs — each one reflecting David’s fine arts training and his meticulous eye for authentic Studebaker detail.

The brothers also manufactured over 200 authentic reproduction parts for Studebaker vehicles and provided expert steering wheel remanufacturing services to the collector community.

Family

David married Frances Gail (Schmid) Shrock on June 18, 1966. Together they raised two children: Jesse Shrock of Chesterfield and Sarah (John) Yarger of Coalport. Sarah and John’s children — Wesley, Samuel, Lewis, and Leah — were David’s beloved grandchildren.

David was one of six siblings: Tom (Toots) Shrock, Kathy (Robert) Phillips, Gaye Scott, Gloria Arkwright, and Robin (Denise) Shrock.

The Person

David’s hobbies were as wide-ranging as his talents. He was known for “fabricating elegant solutions to difficult problems” — a trait that served him well in both his art and his Studebaker work. He also enjoyed swimming, running, cycling, sailing, photography, drawing, painting, playing the harmonica, flea marketing, fixing and repurposing things, planting trees, and creating beauty in all its forms.

In 1953, David and two of his siblings contracted polio. Throughout his life, he supported the March of Dimes in gratitude for the help his parents received during that difficult time. He was a member of the Glen Hope United Methodist Church.

David was most comfortable in denim.

Obituaries are available from The Progress and The Altoona Mirror.