David Dyer

David George Dyer, son of George and Marsene Dyer, passed away at home on Sunday, July 27th, 2025 at the age of 76.
He is survived by his wife, Anne, brother Jim, and sons Steven and Tommy, daughters-in-law Kate and Thao, and grandchildren Evelyn and Clare, who carry with them the strength and resilience he lived by every day.
David was known for his strong work ethic, no-nonsense attitude, and unwavering commitment to his responsibilities and Catholic faith. He believed in showing up, doing the job right, and not complaining-values he carried throughout his life and passed on to those around him.
David grew up in the North Hill neighborhood of Akron. He attended St. Martha's grade school, Hoban High School (Class of 67'), and graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Akron. While attending U of A, he was the lead disc jockey for WAUP (WZIP) all four years of college.
After graduating from U of A, David worked for the local railroad during the Summer months, doing back-breaking work even getting called out to help all hours of the night. After that he spent time working on the paint line at Alsides company in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio Edison reading electric meters all over NE Ohio, and for the last 25 years of his working life, as custodian for the Akron Public Schools. One of his proudest moments came in 2014 while working at Perkins middle school. He responded without hesitation to a young girl named Dominique who was choking during lunchtime in the cafeteria. David ran over to her and began giving her the heimlich, a moment that ultimately saved the young girl's life. Wow.
David was an avid runner finishing numerous 5 & 10k races around NE Ohio and the Akron half marathon with his beloved brother, Jim. He enjoyed watching Cleveland baseball, the Tribe as he called them for many years and even tells the story of attending the inaugural nickel beer night game at the old municipal stadium - one of his favorite memories shared with good friend John Scarpitti.
David did not start the day without a cup of joe or three or four. A special moment for him was enjoying his coffee with a maple cream stick donut. His sister-n-law, Jane, would drive out of her way to bring him a fresh one from the local Acme. She was an integral part of taking care of Dave and Anne taking them on numerous doctor visits and grocery trips. David would light up when he got to drive around the motorized shopping carts at the Marc's store in Barberton. It was as if he was the local mayor greeting the workers along the ride.
He took meticulous care of his yard, the kind that made the other dads in the neighborhood envious. He would get up before the rest of the house on snow days to make sure not one flake was stuck to the drive.
David was a local weather junkie, often aligning himself with the likes of Cleveland forecaster, Dick Goddard, along with many others. He was a faithful reader of the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper. He could tell you what was happening locally, nationally, and across the world any given day.
He also enjoyed fishing, one of the hobbies he passed onto his sons.
David was also a man of deep faith. He was a member of St. Sebastian parish in Akron for most of his adult life. He quietly and humbly prayed his devotional prayers stacked at his bed side and would make sure at 3pm every day to recite the rosary or divine mercy chaplet. He would watch holy Mass on EWTN, if not daily.
David was married to Anne (Durkee) and shared almost 51 years of marriage. Anne was the angel in his life. She unwaveringly took care of him throughout his life, but most faithfully over the past five years as his health declined.
Thank you to Cleveland Clinic Hospice for the home care they provided.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 1st, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. Sebastian Church in Akron, OH. Calling hours are one hour prior at the same location. In honor of David, the family encourages sharing a story, showing up for someone who needs it, or simply doing a hard job well-just like he would have.