David Andrew Degroat

Summer was winding down, and harvest season well underway when David arrived in our lives. Like wind-swirled autumn leaves become splendid cataclysms of color and movement, David animated our days with laughter, industrious ingenuity, ambitious determination and an originality beyond compare. David loved solving problems both mechanical and interpersonal. As he advanced through school dyslexia challenged his educational success. In true David-form, he changed dyslexia into an advantage by finding a career that utilized his ability to see order where others only see chaos. The infectious grin David sported was a gift he shared freely with strangers and loved ones. David's humor had no bounds. He infused the toughest territories in life with levity. That's not to say David's life was easy; it wasn't. But one of his gifts was the ability to make the best of the worst situation, to always see the good and not bad.

As a brother, and an Uncle to my sons, then a father, David's primary desire was sharing his talents and zest for life. David loved cooking, making his famous 'meat hot sauce' and transforming our meals into culinary adventures. Was he here long enough for us to fully cherish all that was? No. But every day that he was here was lived to the max. Nothing was left unsaid, and while there's always something left to do, Dave is now in heaven doing better things.

Rest In peace, darling brother! Reflecting on the last year of your life is both heartbreaking and comforting. David finally found both a soul mate and a truly fulfilling career after years of unrequited efforts. Life had just begun for him, and that is and will always be a beautiful portrait of a life well-lived.


Went home to be with Jesus his Savior, peacefully after a courageous battle with lung cancer on Thursday, December 29th at age 44. Predeceased by his father, David E. DeGroat. Survived by mother, Brenda; son, David C. DeGroat; sister, Grace (Dale) Mead; nephews, Everett & Mason Mead; fiancé, Lucia Gulino; along with many other family and friends.

Family and friends may gather from 9-11 AM on Friday, January 6th at Calvary Assembly, 3429 Chili Avenue, with a memorial service immediately afterward.