David Alan Tarshus was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on August 29, 1937 to Milton and Bernice Tarshus. His brother, Richard F. Tarshus and sister, Rhoda Michelman, predeceased him.

He graduated from Northampton High School in 1956 and attended Williston Academy and Holyoke Community College. He was an enthusiast of big band swing music and enjoyed watching old classic movies. He had the good fortune of touring Paramount Pictures and watching Cecil B. DeMille, directing an Academy Award best picture, the 1952 movie “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

David was president (in the family business) of the Pioneer Valley Ginger Ale Incorporated of Florence, Massachusetts. The business was proud to work with “Gush” Valenta, in the creation of the Lassie League and sponsored Lassie League teams in Northampton. He worked as a part time elevator operator at 78 Main Street and 25 Main Street in Northampton for seventeen years. He was a resident of Michael’s House since 2004.

David was a member of the B’nai Israel Congregation in Northampton and he was also a member of the Florence Civic and Business Association and the American Bottlers Association.

He is survived by his niece Mara Michelman of Northampton.

A Burial will take place on Thursday October 9, 2025 at 2:30pm at the B’Nai Israel Cemetery, 476 N. King Street, Northampton MA.