David J. Fox

David J Fox (8/15/1960 — 6/27/2021), of Euclid, Ohio, passed away on June 27, 2021, surrounded in love by his family. He was “Dad” to some, “Grandpa” to many, and “Honey” to his beloved wife, Andrea Fox (née Nelson). A gifted wordsmith, artist, actor, and musician, David saw the beauty in the world, and strove to add to it.

Of all his works of art, he was most proud of his four children, Megan Scoggan (née Fox), Hannah Duncan (née Fox), Sadie Fox, and Benjamin Fox, and his grandchildren, London Blakely, Sloane and Molly Scoggan, Lilian and Lincoln Duncan, Riley, Reagan, and Grant Willis.

David loved his family fiercely and without bounds. He was a doting father and grandfather; a loving brother to Julie (Keith), Tom (Brenda), Alan(Elena), and Moira (Bruce); and a warmly welcomed addition to the Nelson family.

But of all the people in his life, David truly cherished Andrea — radiating love for her that was apparent to anyone who met them. He was in awe of her, and the way she loved him. During their decade together, David brought out the best in Andrea as they grew as people and as a couple. No matter where they were — whether walking along the beaches of Lake Erie, or camping (and eating pasties) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan — as long as David and Andrea were together, they were home. Naturally, their devoted dog, Desi Christine adored him as well.

David was a gentle soul with quiet strength. He often described himself as a “patient man.”

No matter what he was going through himself, he was always sensitive to the needs of others. In the darkest times, David offered those he loved a light to carry with them into the uncertainty of the future. His philosophy in life was simple, but profound: “Each of us has within us the power to effect change and make the world a better place by simply choosing to be kinder.”

Raised in the Mentor Headlands, David started his family in Chicago, and eventually made his way back to Northeast Ohio. In addition to his kindness and empathy, David’s intelligence and work ethic allowed him to excel at every job or career he held, whether it was printing, paint, or plastics, among others. Through his myriad of day jobs, David met and touched the lives of so many people who will remember his quick wit and easy laugh as a light in their lives and a high point of their days.

Ever the free spirit, David was guided in life by his desire to bring peace and healing to those around him. In fact, every Christmas, his only wish was for world peace (well...world peace and his in-laws’  cookies). He taught his children and grandchildren to be kind, laugh often, and be willing to look past the surface to find the good in everyone.

David was an artist and jack-of-all-trades with a passion for learning — whether it was mastering a new skill at a job site, or taking up painting in the past year, and proving to be a talented watercolorist. As someone who always looked for the beauty in all things — including in unlikely places — he appreciated all forms of art, and was constantly making his own. And sometimes that meant “playing in the dirt,” growing and tending to his beautiful “flollies.”

Some of David’s crowning artistic achievements include a collection of poetry; numerous albums recorded with several bands; a catalogue of more than nine hours of original songs, going back decades; and writing, producing, and starring in the rock opera “The Bargain.” He touched so many people through his singing and music at St.John Vianney, Synergy, his open mic at Seeker’s, 3.5 Guitars, and Sozo. Through his music, David amassed friends and fans of his music from around the globe, including Canada and Belarus. He felt fulfilled by sharing his creations with the world — spreading his light and peace with all he encountered.

David was predeceased by his dearest mother, Patricia Fox (née Schwartz), and his father, James Fox. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center or the Wilderness Center’s Tree of Life Campaign. In keeping with the person he was in life, David opted for green burial at Foxfield Preserve in Wilmot, OH. A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date.

“Always be kinder than you need to be. It might matter more than you will ever know.” — David J Fox

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes and Crematory, Falls Chapel, 1907 23rd Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH  44223.