David Sebastian

Dave Sebastian, 76, passed away at Danbury Senior Living, North Ridgeville, on October 28, 2023. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Jean (nee Harris), who visited him daily during his three-year illness.

Dave was born on February 19, 1947, in Elyria, Ohio. He graduated from Elyria High School Class of 1965, winning many body-building trophies including several Senior Mr. Power Cleveland, Mr. Lorain County and runner-up to Teenage Ohio. He placed 3rd in Europe for body-building during his Army days. In high school, he was also the driver for his brother Bob’s popular band, The Shadesmen.

Dave met Jean at the Oberlin School of Commerce, married 55 years since November 2, 1968. They then spent over a year together off base during his Army Tour of Duty in Hanau, Germany, during the Vietnam War. Dave was a Communication Specialist Sergeant in the Third Armored Division with top security clearance. The skill set he acquired during his time in the Army was used upon joining GTE/Verizon, retiring after 32 years. He originally climbed poles on hooks and ultimately laid fiber optics for cell towers. Dave was a dedicated Telephone Lineman and proud Veteran.

He loved working outdoors and subsequently took on a maintenance job at Columbia Mobile Home Park, Olmsted Falls, where he was affectionately known as the “lean, mean mowing machine”. Dave had an infectious laugh, twinkling eyes, and was a great joke teller. He loved his 1983 El Camino show truck, train collection and spending time with his coffee shop buddies.
Leaving to treasure his memory is his wife, Jean, brothers Bob and Dale Sebastian, sister Maryanne (Max) French and nieces and nephews. Dave was especially close with his In-laws, Helen and Warren Harris (deceased), Carol Harris, Dianne (Tim, deceased) Mahar, Linda Harris, Bob Harris (deceased) and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Mary (nee Imre) Sebastian, brother, Dennis Sebastian and nephew, Jesse Sebastian.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 5, 2023, from 2-6 pm at the Hempel Funeral Home, Amherst, Ohio.  Funeral services will be held on Monday at 11 am from the funeral home.  Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com . Burial will follow at New Russia Township Cemetery, Oberlin, Ohio.

A special thank you to Compassus Hospice and to the staff, nurses and aides at Danbury Senior Living, who were always so helpful, caring and kind to Dave, and Jean, during his journey.

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.

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