David E. Griesmer

David E. Griesmer , age 84, of Ghent, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2024, after an extended illness. He was born on November 21,1939, in Akron, Ohio, and grew up in Wadsworth, Ohio. He graduated from Wadsworth High School where he was elected senior class vice president and played baseball. He briefly attended University of Miami in Florida before serving in the U.S. Army Reserve for seven years. David married his beloved wife Barbara in Akron on August 5,1967, and they had two children, Kelley and Michael. He spent most of his career working in car wash management and sales.

David was a loyal Buckeye who proudly bled scarlet and gray. He adored all Ohio State sports, but especially football and women’s and men’s basketball. David was also an avid music fan, having grown up listening to those who birthed rock and roll. He was one of the first to see Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, and others perform live, and he eagerly shared his enthusiasm for that music with his children. David also had a special love for hot rods and vintage cars, and he owned and showed several cars over the years. He enjoyed acting and directing and was a member of the Wadsworth Footlighters and the Bath Players. David was perhaps best known for his legendary storytelling and dry wit, and he was never without a few hilarious jokes. His life was full of innumerable happy memories with a broad spectrum of family and friends. He especially loved the times he visited Hilton Head Island and Key West.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and Joe A. Griesmer, and his sister, Dorine. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Barbara (Oliver) Griesmer; his daughter, Kelley Griesmer (Greg Gorospe); his son, Michael Griesmer (Vikki Early); and his favorite grandson, Keiran Gorospe.

The family will receive friends at Billow Funeral Home, 85 N. Miller Rd, Fairlawn, OH 44333 on Monday, September 23, 2024, from 12-2 pm. Cremation has already taken place, and there will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s memory to The Women’s Fund of Central Ohio at the following link: womensfundcentralohio.org/david-griesmer

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel, 85 N Miller Road, Akron, OH  44333.