I was a half-legal migrant in 1999. David was the one, who helped me to be a real American citizen. I'll never forget him. May god with him and his family

Sorry to hear this. Dave and his family were friends years ago.. lost touch but still sad to hear. Many thoughts and prayers for the family!

This is Jeff 50k Elliott / "Heff" as Dave would call me over the years ! Our friendship started back in 1973 in San Diego CA . On Kingston Ct in Mission Beach ! We shared alot of great times and epic moments that will be forever 
Etched in my mind ! As we moved on through the 70's , 80's ,90's and up to the
Present we were true brothers for sure ! 
Sharing our experiences and love for Jazz
Sending my sincere condolences out to all the family at this sensitive time ! Dave will surely be missed ! See you on the other side "Baby -B " ! Jeff50k
Jeff50kelliott7@aol.com

Dave receiving The Proclamation from Matt Joseph.

My old man and Dave’s were longtime friends, so Dave and I got a kick reconnecting when I was in town for Chaminade reunions. We both remarked, the last time we saw each other, how each of us was looking, talking — and especially laughing — like our dads. And that made both of us smile, wide and proud. 
 Condolences to the fine Boston family and their many friends.

Csipke Hungarian Dance camp in MI, 2014 – David exploring his Hungarian Heritage and meeting new acquaintances. We had spoken if meeting in Hungary this year.

One of the very few people in my life (true for others too) who really came through when it counted the most — David helped me pack a 26' truck in NJ with my elderly ill Father's 14k books and all belongings, and drive it down to our new home in Florida, car hitch attached. Epic heroism. Epic Friend.

David serving Hungarian Gulyás ( Goulash), displaying the metal cup from Hungary he had asked to have and was a small gift from me.

Dave was always a good friend. We were co-captains of the wrestling team in high school. We kept in touch through all the years. I know what a kind heart he had.  I know of many instances where he helped the homeless and less fortunate.  That tells you all you need to know about him.  Dave will be missed!

Like many others, I too was a recipient of Dave’s generosity.  As a young college student struggling to pay for tuition, rent, and other living expenses - I found myself extra work waitressing at Sports Page during the happy hour.  That morphed into supporting the daily lunch rush and weekend events Dave often hosted.  Later due to Dave’s relentless pressure, I was the Lemon Quench girl.  Dave would haul his yellow plastic lemon thingy to county fairs and local festivals and I would sell his frozen lemonade.  From flat tires to swarming bees, we laughed and pursued the next adventure.  Your good nature and gusto for life will be missed…raising a cold beer for you!

Our condolences to all of the Boston family. So sorry for your loss. May Dave rest in peace.

David will always be a friend close to my heart. Our lives were intertwined from the moment we met when he came into the print shop to make flyers for the Sports Page downtown Dayton. He was always an upbeat and supportive friend - we babysat each other's kids 😊

Love you Dave.

I met David at his downtown Dayton location while in college. He knew I was a student, poor, barely getting by.  He made sure that if I came to his pub every Friday, he would have Pizza Factory pizza waiting for me (whatever I wanted).  He always made me feel at home and offered great counsel to me during some of the most challenging times of my life. Great man, one of a kind, and he will always be remembered.

I'm so deeply sorry for your loss and will pray 🙏 for you all!!!!

Many years ago, I bartended at The Sports Page, and Dave was always the professional, the perfectionist, and a good man. I learned a great deal from him. Although I haven't seen him in years, I do think of him and my time at The Sports Page. My deepest and most sincere condolences to the Boston family.

My wife and I enjoyed  The Sports Page Downtown, and the atmosphere that Dave created for his customers. Later, when he established Boston's Pub on North Main St. , we went there often to enjoy family, friends, and of course chatting with Dave. He was a kind man, and  provided a homey and welcoming atmosphere for us. And of course, hats off to him for winning the Most Arrogant Bar in America Award  (twice!) from Stone Brewery! Surely a team effort!!
                                                 Love,  Cindy & Tony

I am proud to have David’s friendship for over 50 years.  He was always positive and would go out his way to say hello.   He was always doing something positive for the community.  Rest In Peace my friend.  Jim Place

My sympathy for the loss of such a great guy! He was so nice whenever I would stop by the the restaurant. He knew my older brother and asked about my family all the time. God's speed to heaven my friend.

My brother, Dave, was a passionate man in everything he pursued which characterized him as a Man, as a Brother, as an Uncle and as a Father. He was able to impact nearly  everything he did and attacked it with the same passion and love he possessed. I will miss him dearly. May GOD bless him now and in heaven. His brother, Steve.

We didn't know David well, but his sister Mary Helen is one of our dearest friends.  We were lucky enough to spend time with her whole family, including David, at New Year's.  He was so happy and was our sweet and funny bartender for the evening as well.  I am so happy that I was able to see the love and happiness of her family being together for that occasion.  I also am happy that I was able to take what was now, the last family picture with David part of it.  Our love and prayers are with the whole Boston family....we hope you are holding your Dad and Mom's hand David.  

With love and prayers, Jim and Paula Otis

David was a long time supporter and visitor of the 2nd Street Market and will be deeply missed. Most recently he shared the holiday experience of fresh roasted chestnuts at our holiday evening event all at his own expense just because he loved to support downtown businesses. 
Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Peace

Condolences to Dave's Family.  This is a loss for all. He was such a wonderful human being and will be missed by many. He was kind, thoughtful and generous with his knowledge and love. His spice mixtures are something to praise and enjoy. Rest in Peace in the arms of the Lord, Dave. Till we see you again!
Laura Juhasz 
Mary Wening

To the Boston Family: our hearts are truly broken. Dave was a wonderful man, father and friend! We spent so many years together when our kids were little and lived right behind each other, going back and forth across the stairs that he built over our backyards. He stopped over our house a few months ago to drop off some old pictures he thought we would enjoy. It was so nice talking with him and reminiscing. He seemed to be in such a great place and we were happy for him. He told us all about each of his kids with so much love and passion. He loved you all dearly. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. He will be truly missed by everyone. We are down south  for a few months and cannot attend the mass or celebration but rest assured you all are in our thoughts and prayers. Much love to all of you! 
Lauren and Bear Maio and family ♥️♥️

Where do I begin…..we had so many special memories with Dave and his family growing up. Our families lived behind each other for multiple years during our childhood. We were all so close that our dads built steps that went from our house to theirs. We spend countless hours together having family cookouts, camping in the backyard, playing in the rec room to name just a few. Our hearts are with your family during this difficult time. We are so sad the world lost such a wonderful man. The Bostons will always hold a special place in our hearts. 

Love, 
The Maio family

I don’t even know where to begin with Dave. He was such a pivotal person in my life, and so many others’ lives too.

The first time I met him, he was exactly himself, the way I would know him to be forever onward — genuine, passionate, and humorous. He never wavered on his principles then, or at any other point in time. He was truly grateful to be in the presence of anyone at any given moment in time, and he knew no strangers.

He valued and believed in family, culture, heritage, community, hard work, and providing opportunities for others to do better for themselves.

His establishments were an extension of him, reflecting all of these qualities, making them a home away from home — a sanctuary for good times and bad, tears and laughter, memories and future growth —  a place to be in the moment, a snapshot of the beauty and totality of life.

In addition to his pioneering, putting craft beer on the local map long before the boom, and making Dayton the largest consumers of Zwack in all of Ohio, he was like an uncle to my friends and I. Dave was a person of boundless heart, and I’m so grateful to have known him. I’ve learned so much being in his presence, about beer, about tradition, about life, about passion, and anything in between. Thank you so much for this. You will always remain in our hearts this way.

Rest well, my dear friend. You will be missed very, very much indeed.

-JT Girton

Dear Boston Family~ our condolences at the passing of your brother, David. 
 Big families are a gift, I can only imagine the hole that will left by your brother’s  passing. 
Share find memories, celebrate the good, find comfort in knowing he is with Jesus and your parents. 
Fondly
Chris & Pegi Deeter

I met David in the 1980’s when he owned Bostons Sports Page on the corner of Second and Jefferson in downtown Dayton.  After a fire, he was closed and reopened as Bostons Bistro.

David grew up in North Dayton, one of many children, and kept a picture of his huge family on the wall of his bar.  David was Hungarian, and proud of his Magyar heritage, serving Hungarian dishes at his bar(s) and was involved in organizations supporting his Hungarian roots.

David was a pioneer of craft and imported beer in Dayton.  He put the game on the map before many local purveyors  were old enough to drink, some not yet born.  He put beer trips together began decades ago, to breweries, and brewing supply stores, when craft beer had yet to kick off.  He loved Dayton, his promotion of world class beer to the city making him a legend.  

David’s father owed a carry out North of Dayton. In what would later become the China Boy restaurant on North Main Street, in his childhood home.  It was the last stop for beer for the workers who lived North of Dayton and he would recollect fondly on them stopping in to buy beer before heading North home.  He later opened a bar around back in this location as his final bar in the business, and the bar downstairs, aptly named “My Brothers Place”, was owned and operated by his brother.

David would go out of way to take care of people. I remember fondly him going out when he owned his bar downtown to take coffee and donuts to the local construction workers, just because he loved his city and the people.  His bar downtown was a melting pot, all ethnicities and walks of life, coming together behind his vision of building a beer community in Dayton.

I remember David and his wife at the time, Mary, coming to visit me in Chicago for their 25th anniversary.  We shared great beer, great times, and a great friendship.  I will always have precious memories of my friend.  Davids vision of a world class beer scene for Dayton was realized.  

You did it my friend.

OBITUARY

David Anthony Boston Sr.

May 10, 1954 – January 13, 2024

Tobias Funeral Home - Far Hills Chapel

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