In November of 2025, long time volunteer, advocate and donor, David “Dave” Kenepp passed away suddenly on Thanksgiving Day. Dave’s journey with Future In Sight began in 2017 when he joined our dedicated team of volunteer drivers. After three years of service, he was invited to join our Board of Directors – an honor that was made official at the start of the 2021 year.
In September of 2022, Dave became Treasurer for the Board and remained in that role until October of 2024 when he resigned for a truly honorable reason: to spend more time with his grandchildren.
Dave was born and raised in Altoona, PA. He graduated from Lafayette College and retired from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as an Assistant Vice President where he dedicated more than three decades of service. In retirement, he and his wife, Ellen Keefe – also a dedicated volunteer, advocate, and donor of Future In Sight – were members of the Portsmouth Yacht Club where Dave served on the Board of Directors and as Vice Commodore.
Dave was a lover of the outdoors, fishing, sports, and reading but perhaps most importantly, he loved spending time with friends and family. He considered his two grandsons his greatest joy and was described as the “quintessential good guy” by those who knew him best.
For several years, Dave and Ellen have been avid supporters of the Walk for Sight, volunteered hundreds of hours in service to our organization and its clients, and have made generous financial donations. In Memory of Dave, Ellen has now donated $10,000 to provide activities for Future In Sight’s adult and youth clients.
Former Board Chair and current Board Member and Assistant Treasurer, Charles (Charlie) Mathews, described Dave as “an old school gentleman who brought a level of intelligence and professional experience that made him an invaluable Board colleague. More importantly, he had a caring demeanor and generous spirit that positively impacted others, especially young people and those less fortunate.”
One of Charlie’s fondest memories of Dave was from the 2024 Walk For Sight:
“Because of some Board duties that day, I asked Dave if it would be ok for my ten-year-old son, James, to join him for the Walk. Dave agreed, provided that James carried one of the signs. Off they went, accompanied by former Board Chair, Dave Hagen. During the walk, Dave Kenepp captured James’ attention with stories about his days playing college football, and then they talked about Future In Sight and how the Walk helped us to raise awareness. James was never happier because Dave made him feel like he was part of the team and could help make a difference. Dave was very special.”
Pictured above and to the right: Dave Kenepp and Charlie Matthews’ son, James, walking together in the 2024 Walk For Sight.
We invite you to help celebrate Dave’s life by supporting Future In Sight as he did. Learn about the various ways here.