“David’s initiative, resourcefulness and knowledge of RHA’s overall obligations and responsibilities to residents, architects and engineers is an asset to the organization.”
Reading Housing Authority
1983–2026 · A career built on service
Celebrating the career and lasting legacy of
Dave Talarico.
A career worth celebrating
For more than four decades, David "Dave" Talarico has helped shape the buildings, neighborhoods, programs and operations of Reading Housing Authority.
From his first day as a laborer in 1983 to his leadership as Vice President and Director of Facilities, Dave’s career has been defined by determination, resourcefulness and a commitment to improving the lives of RHA residents.
His story is not simply one of professional advancement. It is the story of a person who continued to learn, accepted increasingly complex responsibilities and remained committed to carrying every project through to completion.
"Learn as much as you can about the environment you work in and position yourself to be a part of the future growth of the organization."
A legacy begins
Dave began his career with Reading Housing Authority on June 20, 1983, as a laborer at Oakbrook Homes.
A graduate of the Berks Vocational Technical School Masonry Program, he came to RHA with valuable hands-on experience. Before joining the Authority, Dave owned a private masonry restoration business specializing in the preservation of historic buildings and landmarks.
Only six months after joining RHA, he advanced to Maintenance Mechanic. His technical abilities, work ethic and willingness to take on new responsibilities quickly became apparent.
What began as a hands-on maintenance position grew into a remarkable 43-year career of leadership, innovation and service.
Growing with Reading Housing Authority
On January 16, 1989, Dave was promoted to Building Maintenance Foreman in Oakbrook Homes, where he began developing the supervisory and project-management skills that would become hallmarks of his career.
One of his earliest and most challenging assignments was the 1990 Glenside Modernization Project. Dave describes the experience as a “trial by fire” that pushed him beyond what he believed he could achieve and prepared him for even greater responsibilities.
On September 27, 1994, he became Maintenance Superintendent. During the next 25 years, he managed complex construction and modernization efforts, supervised more than 40 maintenance employees and coordinated the work of architects, engineers, tradespeople and service contractors.
In 2019, Dave advanced into an executive-level facilities and capital-improvements leadership position. In March 2024, he accepted the additional responsibilities of Vice President while continuing to serve as Director of Facilities.
"I did my best to build on the foundation presented to me to improve the lives of others."
Making an impact every day
Dave’s influence can be seen throughout Reading Housing Authority. Over the course of his career, he worked with talented employees and professionals to complete more than $100 million in modernization and development projects.
Those projects did more than improve buildings. They enhanced the quality of life for the individuals and families who call RHA communities home.
His work included modernization, development, energy conservation, adaptive reuse and recreational projects. Dave also developed RHA’s Energy Performance Contract program, reducing the organization’s consumption of water, gas and electricity and generating approximately $1 million in annual utility savings.
His work was always grounded in a clear purpose: ensuring that RHA remains a stable, reliable and welcoming place for residents to live.
Values that stand the test of time
Former supervisors repeatedly recognized Dave’s initiative, resourcefulness, organization, professionalism and willingness to go the extra mile.
“David’s initiative, resourcefulness and knowledge of RHA’s overall obligations and responsibilities to residents, architects and engineers is an asset to the organization.”
“Dave and his staff have taken a very difficult modernization project and turned it into one of the finest projects the Housing Authority has seen. Excellent job, excellent work, and I appreciate it.”
“All work is professionally planned and organized. Dave was a lead force in implementing the RHA Safety Committee.”
“His work results have been at a high level, and he is to be commended on his work habits and results. Dave is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure everything is done correctly.”
“Dave is highly focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for RHA residents, with attention to addressing the underlying problem and minimizing the impact of the work on residents. Dave consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to the people we serve through the housing we provide. In his role as Vice President, Dave leads with a strong sense of responsibility for the full operation. He possesses immense vision—for projects that fall within the Facilities operation, but also, for the people who will use them. He sees urgent and high-priority issues through to resolution and is effective in mobilizing resources both internally and externally.”
Dave understood that public housing work required patience and persistence. Changing regulations, new policies, limited resources and complex funding requirements frequently presented challenges. His response was to remain informed, adapt and continue moving forward.
“Working in this environment is a marathon. Be patient and stay the course.”
The difference one person can make
Dave worked with people at every level of the organization and valued the knowledge of maintenance employees, residents, contractors, administrators, engineers, architects, board members and community partners.
His leadership helped employees grow in their roles, encouraged collaboration across departments and demonstrated the importance of combining practical experience with strategic thinking.
"Working with people on all levels for a common goal—from the boiler room to the boardroom—has always been my philosophy."
“Ask yourself, ‘Do I know more at 20 years old than I did at 10, and at 40 than I did at 20?’ Continue to ask that question throughout your life, and respect the wisdom of those who walked before you.”
Dave’s willingness to share knowledge and respect the experience of others has left a lasting impression on those who worked beside him.
A career worth celebrating
Forty-three years with one organization is an extraordinary achievement. Among Dave’s many accomplishments are:
When asked to identify the greatest success of his career, Dave did not focus on a single building or project. Instead, he credited the people who worked together to make those accomplishments possible.
"Working with so many talented coworkers and professionals to achieve over $100 million in modernization and development projects that truly improve the quality of life for the residents of RHA."
43 years in review
Follow Dave’s career from his first day at RHA through 43 years of leadership and service. Select any milestone for more detail.
Dave joins RHA as a laborer and advances to Maintenance Mechanic later that year.
He becomes Building Maintenance Foreman at South Campus.
Dave leads work connected to the Glenside Homes Modernization Project and gains valuable project-management experience.
He is promoted to Maintenance Superintendent and begins a 25-year period of major construction and modernization leadership.
Performance reviews highlight his initiative, resourcefulness, organization, leadership and willingness to go the extra mile.
Dave assumes executive-level responsibility for capital improvements, facilities operations and utility management.
He takes on additional organizational leadership while focusing on adaptive reuse, recreation and major capital projects.
RHA honors a career that has helped transform properties, develop employees, conserve resources and improve residents’ lives.
Leaving a lasting impression
Although Dave is entering retirement, his connection to Reading Housing Authority will not end with his final day as a full-time employee. He plans to remain involved with capital projects that help keep RHA communities stable and reliable places to live.
Beyond RHA, Dave continues to serve his community as President of the 18th WONDER Improvement Association, a member of the Robeson Township Planning Commission and an advisory board member for the Reading Muhlenberg Career and Technology Center.
In retirement, Dave looks forward to spending more time with his family and completing projects with his wife, Trish, around their home.
The tools may finally have more than two days a week to be used, but the curiosity, craftsmanship and determination behind them remain as strong as ever.
Thank you, Dave
For 43 years, you have given Reading Housing Authority your knowledge, leadership, craftsmanship and dedication.
You have helped modernize our properties, strengthen our operations, conserve valuable resources, develop employees and improve the quality of life for generations of residents.
The projects you completed will remain visible throughout our communities. The lessons you shared will continue through the people you mentored. The standards you established will guide the work that follows.
Your career reminds us that a lasting legacy is not created by one accomplishment. It is built through thousands of decisions, challenges, relationships and acts of service over time.
On behalf of the Reading Housing Authority Board of Commissioners, leadership team, employees, residents and community partners:
Thank you, Dave, for 43 remarkable years.
Congratulations on a career worth celebrating and a legacy that will continue for generations.
Share a favorite memory or send a parting message directly to Dave.
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