Resident of Pleasanton

Dr. David “Dave” Peter Discher, beloved physician, husband, father, and man of faith, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, in Pleasanton, California.

Born in Pontiac, Michigan, to Elton and Elvira Discher, Dave lived a life defined by curiosity, compassion, and devotion to family. He earned his B.S. from the University of Notre Dame (1955) and his M.D. from the University of Illinois (1959). After completing his medical training, he served in the U.S. Public Health Service, where he became a pioneer in the emerging field of occupational medicine. Known for his meticulous, on-site investigations, he helped uncover and prevent workplace illnesses, protecting the health of countless workers and their families.

Dave went on to serve on the medical faculty atUCLA and the University of Washington before moving to the Bay Area. There, he led Occupational Medicine at SRI International and at the San Jose and Palo Alto Medical Foundations. Later, he maintained a respected private practice until his retirement in 2020. Colleagues remember his sharp intellect, empathy, and detective-like approach to diagnosis—he always asked the right questions and followed the evidence wherever it led.

A devoted Catholic, Dave’s faith anchored his life. He was predeceased by his first wife and high school sweetheart, Mary, the mother of his nine children (one deceased).

He later married Sally, with whom he built a joyful, faith-filled home and blended family.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Dave especially loved football—cheering for Notre Dame and the 49ers.

He is survived by Sally, his eight children, 20 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, his brother and sister, and many dear friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Augustine Church, Pleasanton, on November 25th at 10:00 a.m., followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Los Altos.