01/12/2026
Our prayers are with Dave’s family and the Tiffin community.
Yesterday, our community lost a leader, a family lost a father and grandfather, and I lost a friend. I struggled all day yesterday to find the right words to put into writing the utter devastation and shock I felt when I first learned of Dave's passing.
Summer nights in Downtown Tiffin will not be the same without seeing Dave sitting on the picnic table outside the Renaissance. The Deli Café will feel like something is missing without Dave in his Ohio State polo greeting me with warm smile and "how are you doing, sir?"
I'll never forget the evening we spent in a long closed bar in Downtown Tiffin, dreaming about what the location could be one day. After a couple of homemade Old Fashioneds, made on a heavily worn, now dust covered pool table, we were both fully bought into the dream. A year later, The Renaissance would open its doors, as Dave's dream was realized. The both of us reminisced about that night, when dreams turned from dreams, into reality, nearly every time we got together at The Renaissance. "Do you remember when we were standing right in this spot?" is always how the conversation would begin.
Fearless. Dedicated. Tireless. Those are the first three words that come to mind when I think of Dave, and they are the words by which I choose to always remember him.
Life is fleeting; life is short. Dave knew this, and poured his heart, soul, and energy into his family, friends, and businesses. While we cannot bring you back, Dave, we can – and we will – never forget you and the impact you made in all of our lives.
Rest easy, friend, and thank you for everything you've done for our community. Gone, but NEVER forgotten. ❤️
