H. David Mohan

1940 - 2015

H. David Mohan, 75, passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, at home. David was born Nov. 9, 1940, in Natrona Heights, the son of Howard David and Eleanor Mohan. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Mohan; brother-in law, Donald Witucki; and nephew, Matthew Witucki. David and his wife, Connie, made a special connection in 1995 and married in 2001. From their first dinner together in 1995, they were completely devoted to each other. They were best of friends and each other's greatest love. Together they turned a beautiful house into a loving home for their family. David adored his daughters and grandchildren. He loved family gatherings and one-on-one time with his daughters, Molly and Mindy. He was extremely proud of the accomplishments of his daughters and their husbands. He was most proud of their beautiful families. David "Grandpa Choo" was an outrageous grandfather who valued and honored the distinct personalities and unique traits of each of his grandchildren: Drew, new to the workforce, is a committed worker, as well as a developing actor; Cole is quiet and athletic, like his Uncle Don; Grace is watchful, thoughtful and a "doer"; Emma and David have great brains and love working with their hands; Anna is a free spirit with a kind and generous heart. In recent years, David created an arcade in his home for the enjoyment of the grandchildren. Although David's early schooling did not prepare him for college, the watchful eye of a teacher led him to higher education. David held four college degrees: a Bachelor of Science (industrial arts education) from California State University, California, Pa.; a Master of Science (industrial education) from University of Maryland, College Park, Md.; Master of Arts (gerontology) from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio; and a Doctor of Philosophy (industrial technology) from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. David served in numerous leadership roles in higher education, business and industry, and non-profit organizations. He enjoyed a career at Kent State University that spanned more than 40 years. At Kent State, he held the positions of associate professor of technology and director of the School of Technology, Kent Campus. He later was appointed dean and chief administrative officer of the Geauga Campus and the Twinsburg Regional Academic Center. David also served as chief operating officer at Bunnell Printing Industries in Akron, Ohio. In the non-profit sector, he served as volunteer president of the board of Portage Area Senior Services. He also volunteered with the Robinson Memorial Hospital Hospice, Summit County Alzheimer's Association, Portage Area Senior Services, United Christian Ministries, Holden Elementary School and the Kent Jaycees. During his tenure as dean of the Geauga Campus and Twinsburg Regional Academic Center, the campus prospered by tripling the enrollment, achieving a fund balance in the millions of dollars, establishing dozens of endowed scholarships and totally upgrading facilities and instructional technology at multiple sites. David was extremely proud of these accomplishments and attributed his success to the skills of those around him. David strongly valued the "individual" and was an active listener. From his beginnings as a teacher, he was dedicated to student success. He held this same philosophy in all aspects of his life. His devotion to people was recognized by the university when he was honored with the "Trail Blazer Award" for the individual who most embodied the values associated with diversity, equity and inclusion within Kent State's eight-campus system. David was analytical and visionary. He was self-motivated, authentic and possessed strong interpersonal communication skills. David thrived in a changing environment and admitted to being a measured risk taker. He was a man with big ideas and big vision. David is survived by his wife, Connie J. Mohan; his two daughters, Molly K. Kirsch (Grant) and Mindy A. Beck (Dave); his sister, Mary Ann Witucki; nieces, nephews and six beautiful and amazing grandchildren.
Cremation will take place at BISSLER & SONS FUNERAL HOME in Kent, Ohio. A celebration of David's life will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, at the Twinsburg Regional Academic Center in Twinsburg, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kent State Foundation - Geauga Campus for The H. David and Connie J. Mohan Endowed Scholarship Fund, KSU Geauga Campus, Attention Dave Day, 14111 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, OH 44021.