David A. Metzger, 72, of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Dec. 14, 2024, at The Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital in Columbus after a four-year cancer battle.
Dave was warm and welcoming, his kindness and integrity guided by God. His generosity was evident in the way he shared love and laughter with anyone fortunate enough to hear his anecdotes, jokes and clever quips.
He was born Oct. 23, 1952, in Shelby, Ohio to the late Hubert and Jane (Finnegan) Metzger. He married his best friend and the love of his life, Cindy, on March 21, 1975.
Dave put his faith and family first. Though he took his role as a husband and father seriously, he made sure to raise a family full of laughter. He believed life is meant to be enjoyed with lightheartedness, even when it becomes heavy.
From coaching softball to learning to snowboard, he found fun ways to keep up with his kids. They enjoyed 30+ years of family trips to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, and road trips to Florida and Maryland with his dogs.
Dave is survived by his wife, Cindy (Morrow); son, Jason (Jamie Adler); daughter, Melissa (Matthew) Cash; daughter, Stephanie (Patrick) Lawrence; and his honorary children Raul del Torre and Rocio Rodriguez. It would also be remiss to omit Dave’s K-9 kids, Chuck, Stinky and Maddie.
Dave’s grandchildren, Owen, Ally, Suzie and Alex, were his pride and joy. He taught them to fish at the neighborhood pond and showed them the best ice cream spots in Mansfield, but his most important lesson for them was “Metzgers don’t quit.”
Health issues never fractured Dave’s faith or moxie. He was always eager to get back to work, to plan more travels, or to catch up on more episodes of “NCIS.” He always entrusted God to guide him wherever he was meant to be, whether that was his favorite chair at home or cruising on the bike trail.
Dave is also survived by seven siblings, Msgr. Dennis Metzger; Al (Carmen) Metzger; Patty (John) Warring; Karen (Dennis) Weber; Deb (Jerry) Schumacher; Marianne (Charlie) Hutson; Tom (Diane) Metzger; and dozens of nieces and nephews.
Dave worked hard to reach the top of his field as a mechanical engineer who specialized in commercial energy and HVAC systems. He attended Campion Jesuit High School in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin before earning an engineering degree from Franklin University and a master’s degree from Ashland University.
In 1999, Dave founded MG Energy, which remains one of the region’s leading energy innovators. He was named the regional Energy Engineer of the Year twice by the Association of Energy Engineers in 2018 and 2019.
Dave will also be remembered for his love for the outdoors. Like his mom, he was an avid fan of Cleveland baseball. He also loved birding, fishing and running. He completed dozens of 5K runs, half marathons and trail runs, and enjoyed the company of the Mansfield YMCA’s running club and Livestrong program for cancer survivors. He was also a member of the YMCA of North Central Ohio’s Board of Directors.
One of his favorite verses was fitting of his perseverance – the Bible’s great promise of Isaiah 40:31, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
As long as his legs would carry him, he used them.
The family will hold a private memorial service. A celebration of life with family and friends is planned for Summer 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Dave’s favorite charities: YMCA scholarships, Sacred Heart of Jesus Bethlehem in Shelby, Taking Roots Farms and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
