David Fodor

David “Dave” Fodor was born September 20, 1942, the eighth child of Joseph and Mary (Fraley) Fodor.  He died July 27, 2022 at 12:45 p.m., at the OSU James Cancer Center in Columbus.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Joseph Jr., Alex, Jim, Carl, Frank; and sisters, Mary, and Margaret.

Dave graduated from Gahanna Lincoln HS in 1960 and Otterbein College in 1964.  He played basketball and baseball in HS and college.  He received his Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in biology.

His first teaching experience was teaching biology in Bettsville and coaching basketball and baseball. In 1967 he moved to Lancaster teaching physical science and biology along with coaching football at Fairfield Union HS. After a move to Tiffin, Dave spent the next 25 years teaching in Tiffin, primarily 9^th grade at West Jr. High. During those years, he coached basketball, tennis, and officiated football and volleyball.

Dave is survived by Jeanne, his wife of 57 years, and two adored children, Todd/Danielle (wife) and Nicole.  The light of his life was his five grandchildren “yard birds”, Lexi, Drew, and Owen Fodor; Mara and Jake Simmons.  

Dave enjoyed woodworking, gardening, nature, and birding. Each year he participated in the Audubon bird count. He was a fan of the Cleveland “Indians”, OSU, Otterbein basketball, or any team a grandchild played on.  He enjoyed traveling: Alaska, Nova Scotia, through the Panama Canal, Italy and his roots in Hungary.  But his special place was the family cabin in Canada.  Nothing compared to the fishing trips, northern lights, and comradery with friends and family.

How does one capture the essence of a good man?  Dave was a private, quiet man. He was always ready to lend a hand to a friend or family member, toss a ball to a child or dog, try to fix something, have coffee, donuts or ice cream, identify a bird or plant, putter at the cabin, cast a line in the lake, wink at a grandchild, give a hug or fist bump to a loved one. We will miss him dearly and remember his sayings.  We will watch for the “fog bank to roll in” and remember “we aren’t going to a fashion show.”

Friends may visit and share stories with the family on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 from 12 Noon-1:00 P.M. at Trinity United Church of Christ, 131 E. Perry Street, Tiffin, Ohio 44883.  A memorial service will begin at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Karsten Snitker officiating, followed by a light luncheon at the church.

Dave was buried in Greenlawn Cemetery.  A private service was held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage and appreciate any contributions or blood donations to the American Red Cross in Dave’s name.  The need for blood was a critical component of his treatment.

Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

Condolences may be sent and the guestbook signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Fodor, please visit our floral store.