David Robert Brillhart, 75, of Mt. Jackson passed away at home Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2023.

Born Sept. 3, 1948, in Akron, Ohio, Dave was the son of Robert Erwin and Jeanne Denzer Brillhart. He graduated from Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, in 1966 and Ohio University in Athens in 1970 with a degree in chemistry.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Brenda F. Greever (married Aug. 18, 1983), and his sister Susan J. Brillhart Darling and husband Dan of Aurora, Colo.

Early in his career, Dave worked in research and development at Bonded Fibers in Buena Vista, Baxter Pharmaceuticals in Dayton, Ohio, and Akro Corporation in Zanesville, Ohio. In 1984, he joined R&D at O’Sullivan Corporation in Winchester under the direction of Robert Westfall. Dave’s focus became thermoforming automotive interior parts. A leader in relating material development to thermoforming applications, he was responsible for developing the material and technology for thermoforming olefin foam laminates. He became technical service manager for Automotive Products when O’Sullivan became PolyOne, a major supplier of plastic compounds, resins and colorants to the automotive industry.

Dave’s work took him to Detroit regularly, as well as other U.S. car manufacturing cities. International travel included Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Argentina and U.S. neighbors Canada and Mexico. 

Dave was a voracious reader of military history, a captain in the Army Reserves, a licensed pilot, a go-kart enthusiast, and a board member of the Woodbridge Kart Club. 

He grew up loving canines and felines and through the years cared for many — all with unique names and personalities. Captain MollieB will miss him. 

Dellinger Funeral Home in Mt. Jackson is handling arrangements, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

Donations in Dave’s memory may be made to Cat’s Cradle of the Shenandoah Valley, P.O. Box 2128 Harrisonburg, VA  22801.

Online condolences may be at www.dellingerfuneralhome.com.