David Fitzthum Obituary

David L. Fitzthum

Jan 6, 1959 - Jan 6, 2025

Sandusky

David Lee Fitzthum, 66, passed away Monday morning, January 6, 2025, at Firelands Regional Medical Center, Sandusky, secondary to cancer complications.

David was born January 6, 1959, in Sandusky to John A. and Peggy (nee Perry) Fitzthum. He was a graduate of Perkins High School and EHOVE, where he earned his horticulture degree. He worked as a full-time landscaper at Cedar Point for 42 years and as a member of Laborers Local 480 before retiring in 2021. David was a 3-time cancer survivor whose love, humor, including dad jokes, and spirit never diminished. He loved all outdoor activities, including fishing, camping, and sitting around a bonfire until it had burned down to ash, as well as his trips to Amish country with his wife and friends. David and his white German shepherd, Eli, volunteered at Stein Hospice and FRMC in their pet therapy program. David loved dogs and was always happy to help friends train theirs. In recent years he was also a fan of watching The Ohio State Buckeyes Football.

David was always incredibly involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren, to whom he was known as pappow/papaw, with the spelling being a humorous point of contention within the family. He was involved in everything from being a Scout Leader to attending every sports game and band concert for his sons to playing with his grandchildren as often as possible. David never met a stranger… whether it was through his membership at Sandusky Eagles Club, acting as the unofficial "mayor" of his neighborhood, or talking to random people. He was never afraid to strike up a conversation and get to know someone. Perhaps most importantly, David was known for showing up and being there to help anyone with anything.

David is survived by his wife of 42 years, Deirdre (nee Erwin) Fitzthum of Sandusky; two sons, Lee (Erin) Fitzthum of Fairfield and Dr. Alex (Dayzi) Fitzthum of O'Fallon, Illinois; five grandkids, Ember, Edward, Lena, Lucia, and Norabelle. He is also survived by his mother, Peggy Fitzthum; brother, Terry Fitzthum; sisters, Anna Durett and Beverly (Herman) DiClaudio, all of Sandusky; and many nieces and nephews; also survived by in-laws, Hershel and Lucille Erwin of Vermilion; and brother-in-law, Hal and Kelly Erwin of Sylvania Twp.

He was preceded in death by his father, John A. Fitzthum; sister, Diana Knoll; and a grandson in infancy, Gabriel.

Cremation will take place, and services will be private. A celebration of life will be at a later date.

Those wishing to contribute to David's memory may do so to Back to the Wild, P.O. Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824 or online at https://www.backtothewild.org.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.