Dr. William David Cribbs, 98, of Newtown, PA, passed into the loving arms of his Savior on Thursday, November 5th, 2026. William was born on September 18th, 1928 in Grafton, PA to Ralph Herbert and Celia (Gehring) Cribbs. Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, he graduated from Blairsville High School in 1946. Bill earned his Bachelor of Bacteriology at the University of Pittsburgh in 1950. While working at his local pharmacy in Blairsville, he continued his education at Pitt to earn his Pharmacy Degree in 1954. Bill followed his call from the Lord to be a family doctor and graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1959. This began his lifelong medical career of serving countless patients of all ages. Bill worked at various hospitals including Mercer Regional Medical Center and his private practice, Drs. Cribbs and Curley, up until the age of 68. The Lord then called him into medical missions during his retirement, upon which he made eight trips to Haiti. Bill dedicated much of his time and energy to providing exceptional care to the Haitian people, including bringing several children back to the U.S. for specialized treatments. Dr. Cribbs also used his medical expertise to volunteer at the Neighborhood Health Clinic in Naples, Florida until his mid-eighties.
Bill accepted Christ in his late teens and with his wife, Nancy (Humes), of 67 years, went on to serve the Lord together. Bill served as an elder at Northampton Presbyterian Church and later was active in Marco Presbyterian Church in Florida. As a couple, they were known for hosting numerous church events and gatherings in their home. Bill and Nancy enjoyed lots of activities such as sailing, boating, fishing, tennis and spending time in Marco Island, Florida and at Fairview Lake, Pennsylvania. Bill and Nancy cherished their friendships from both of these communities.
In addition to his wife, Bill adored his family. Bill’s kids fondly remember special family nights and outdoor activities together such as water skiing, snow skiing, and hosting many families at their pool and lake house. Most of all, Bill loved teaching his grandchildren and great grandchildren to enjoy fishing, tractor rides, and boating as much as he did. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Nancy and his five children, Karen (Robert) Sunshine of Media, PA, Mark Cribbs of Kingston, PA, Celia Lynn (Glenn) Ely of Perkasie, PA, Jeff Cribbs of Yardley, PA, and William Jr. (Debra) Cribbs of Harleysville, PA. “Pop” was loved by eight grandchildren Daniel (Jana) Sunshine, Sara (Kevin) Deemer, Brett (Margaret) Ely, Kurt (Jessica) Ely, Rebecca (Logan) Skovron, Erin (Ben) Zoghby, Jocelyn Cribbs, and Valerie Cribbs. Fourteen great-grandchildren were blessed to know “Pop Cribbs” including Cole and Luke Sunshine, Leo Sunshine-Deemer, Charlotte, Celia, David and Caroline Ely, Ben, Garrett, and Brooke Ely, Chloe and Hayden Skovron, Makenzie and Nolan Zoghby. Sheila Jorgenson, Martin Cribbs and several other nieces and nephews fondly called him Uncle Bill. Bill’s parents, three brothers Marion, Ben and Robert, and his first wife of nine years, Doris (Yates) Cribbs, all preceded him in death.
The family will miss their patriarch dearly, but they are comforted to know that he is with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in Heaven.
A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 21st, 2026. Visitation at 10:00am, a service at 11:00am, followed by a luncheon. All events are held at Grace Point church (592 Washinton Crossing Road, Newtown, PA).
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 9:15 AM in the Blairsville Cemetery, Blairsville, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to two organizations that he was passionate about:
-Neighborhood Health Clinic (88 12th Street North Suite 100, Naples, Florida, 34102 Click Here for Online Donations)
-Gift of Life Donor Program (401 North 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19123 Give to Gift of Life)
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