David F. Fielding

David Frank Fielding, 77, of Cornplanter Twp., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 16, 2024.

He was born the third of four children on October 4, 1946, in Rugby, England, to Henry and Evelyn Fielding.

David graduated from Stockwell College of Education, University of London, with a Bachelors of Education. He taught for sixteen years in English elementary schools. In 1986 he joined Prinknash Abbey, a Benedictine Monastery in Gloucester, England, where he stayed for three years. He left with the abbot’s blessing without taking final vows.

At this point, David felt called to publish Christian work aimed at the spiritual welfare of children, and he devoted himself to this work until his death. He started Brightstar Publishing, Catholic Castle and Castle of Grace, and he was the illustrator, writer and publisher of several children’s works, including a children’s magazine.

In 1995 he married the love of his life, Rosemary (Hugo) Fielding, of North Huntingdon, who survives. Their daughter Helen Rose was born in 1997. David and Rosemary worked side by side on everything, including his work. 

They moved to Oil City from Pittsburgh in 2017, and David became the editor of the “Good Times” section of “The Derrick” and “The News-Herald” for a year before the section was discontinued in 2020.

David was a scholar, and he was known for his British wit, his kindness and his love of God. A great reader and writer, he was also an artist and talented at working with his hands. David had a servant’s heart, and none saw it more than his family.

In addition to his wife and daughter, David is survived by two brothers, Peter (Brenda) Fielding and Michael Fielding, both of England, a sister-in-law, Mary Fielding, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robin Fielding.

David’s family will receive friends from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21 at Reinsel Funeral Home, 116 Bissell Avenue, Oil City, PA, 16301. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Thursday, August 22 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Oil City, with the Rev. Richard Allen presiding. Interment will follow at a private cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the St. Elizabeth Center in Oil City, the Salvation Army, the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth, or the Little Sisters of the Poor.

Condolences may be sent at www.reinselfuneralhome.com.

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