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DAVID BROWN

David Rodney Brown, 80, of Shadyside, OH, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 4, 2024.

Son of Herman Frederick and Esther List Brown, he was born November 18, 1944, in Ohio Valley General Hospital, Wheeling, WV, and lived on the same street his entire life in Shadyside. He was preceded to Heaven by his parents and only brother, Lawrence Frederick Brown. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Mark) Tortorella, Christeen (Geoff) Murray, and Cathleen (John) Beckett, his loving companion for twenty-five years Patricia Morris, his grandchildren Kylee, Joey, Sammy, Korey, Kenzy, Gretchen, Natalee, Madelyn, Cameron, and Lauren. Also survived by the mother of his children, Dr. Barbara Stottlemyer. Additionally loved and missed by his nephews and nieces, Aunt Doris List Wolf, cousins, and extended families including Patty’s children and grandchildren who loved him. David was a deeply beloved father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, in-law, friend and neighbor.

He graduated from Shadyside High School in 1962 and entered the Army Reserves in 1967 while earning a degree from Ohio University in 1972. David was a prior member of the Shadyside Presbyterian Church and a current member of the Bellaire Presbyterian Church. He worked at Ferro Alloys and Ormet while attending college, and then continued his career at Wheeling-Pittsburgh Steel in Martins Ferry. He took great pride in the steel industry. After retiring from Wheeling-Pitt, he managed the 5 B’s sewing plant in Barnesville, Ohio, allowing him to create the work environment he loved sharing meals, encouraging fellowship through breakfasts and lunches, celebrating coworkers’ joys and sorrows, and working alongside family. He later spent six years with the Pittsburgh Pirates in guest relations, and even found his way to Shadyside and Bellaire schools as a substitute teacher where students looked forward to their days with Mr. Brown. David’s work ethic was unmatched, and his involvement in church and his family’s lives has created a legacy of love and service.

David was a car fanatic from a young age. He built a 1931 Ford Model A from parts and enjoyed researching and purchasing his 1965 Pontiac GTOs. He took pride in being meticulous, always keeping his vehicles spotless! He enjoyed reminiscing of his younger car days and attending car shows with friends and like-minded car buffs in his later years. With a love for Ohio State, graduations were celebrated as well as many games and birthdays cheering on the Buckeyes. David also enjoyed music and concerts, and making memories with Patty. He had a passion for cooking for his family and his children’s friends throughout their childhood. David loved his beach vacations throughout his lifetime. The beach will always remind all of us of the importance of connecting with family.

Known by YaYa, Big Dave, Mr. Brown or Dad, his favorite name was Pap which began when his oldest granddaughter, Kylee, was born. For the past 30 years, Pap did his best to attend events that involved the kids. He could be seen at any ballfield or court in Shadyside, and traveled all over the country to watch his grandkids do what they love.

Living a full life does come with difficulties as well, and several health concerns slowed him down in later years. Receiving a kidney from his daughter gave us more time and for that we are thankful. This past year in particular has been a difficult one, and we honor all that it took to fight through setbacks. His daughters and family were all in with his care. The medical attention he received from the team at Starzl Transplantation Institute was exceptional. His family is deeply appreciative to his caretakers in recent months as well as the medical staff personnel in the Wheeling area and Valley Hospice Liza’s Place.

Dad shared his love languages of being that helping hand and caretaker, and was always present for those who knew him. If he wasn’t working in his garage, on his tractor in the yard, or cooking in the kitchen, he was at a sporting event. Mr. David R. Brown rarely sat down during the day but he enjoyed his evenings on his back porch with his dog, Magellan, looking over his homestead he created and reflecting on a long life well lived.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, Dec. 9, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Bauknecht-Altmeyer Funeral Home, 3900 Central Avenue, Shadyside, OH, 43947. Interment will follow at Powhatan Cemetery.

Please consider donations to the Shadyside Alumni Association, Bellaire Presbyterian Church, or Liza’s Place. Become an organ donor or support #Donate4Life. To best honor his memory, share a mason jar of soup with your neighbors, church family, or someone who needs uplifted.