David Wittmer

David “Dave” Alan Wittmer, 64 passed away Thursday evening, October 11, 2012 in his Wedgewood Estates town home. Born January 9, 1948 in East Cleveland (Euclid), he was the first born and only son of Robert H. Wittmer and Betty B. Wittmer.

He was a graduate of Malabar High School, and attended Miami University of Ohio. Ambitious and resourceful, he became Vice President of Automatic Parts, Inc. a small parts manufacturing business that he owned and operated with his father. Dave also shared with his father an interest in harness racing and owned several quarter horses.

Dave loved dogs and cats and with his wife Kay, had several cats but he was especially fond of his two golden retrievers, Jake and Sidney. Dave was both an avid golfer and skier prior to his illness. Each year he would play golf with a group of friends at Myrtle Beach. They did this each year for 20 plus years. In the winter, he skied locally at Clear Fork and Snow Trails. He also would go either west to the Rockies or east to New England. One year Dave went to Europe and skied the Alps. After suffering from a stroke, he was resigned to watch golf events on television, a favorite pastime and he was also an avid reader. Dave’s determination and perseverance proved to help him recover from some of the debilitating effects of his stroke. Although he never walked again he was able to finally stand by himself after several years of physical therapy and pool exercises. He was blessed to have a family of loyal friends that were there for him until the end. A special thank you from the family goes to Jeff and Stephanie Palmer, Mike Bagley, Ray Frost, Rick Rollins and Kyle Beveridge.

He is survived by his sisters, Christine Bolz of California, Susan Wittmer of Michigan, Sarah Delanty of Oregon, brother in law, Ed and nephews Francis Bolz, Evan Delanty and niece, Ava Delanty, uncle, Gene Wittmer of Mansfield, aunt Vangie Noll of Bethlehem, PA, and several cousins. Dave’s wife Kay Ellen Wittmer, and his parents preceded him in death.

A funeral service and burial conducted by Pastor Mark Dettmer will be held Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 1:00PM in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.