Search by Name

Search by Name

David SZABO Obituary

SZABO, David Andrew 70, died Feb. 22, 2017, after an extended illness. The only child of Eleanor and Andrew Szabo, he was born and raised in Middletown, Ohio, where he studied classical piano, developed his skill in photography and subsequently studied architecture at Miami of Ohio University. He moved to Chicago, where he completed a film degree at Columbia College in 1970. His early career as a freelance editor included work with Sedelmaier Films and Kartemquin Films, among others, and a teaching position in the film department at Columbia College. Szabo Editing was founded in 1975 at 612 North Michigan Avenue where he soon was joined by Jack Tohtz as partner. By 1989 the company became Szabo-Tohtz and Skyview, with the expansion to a full-service post-production company in the Time-Life Building. An accomplished musician, Szabo also established Szabo Productions during this period to create music for commercials he edited. Szabo's client roster included all the major ad agencies of the day--Foote, Cone and Belding, Leo Burnett, DDB Needham, and J. Walter Thompson, among others. He worked on national advertising campaigns for Coca Cola, United Airlines, Kraft, Kellogg's, MacDonald's, Budweiser, Wrangler, and Hallmark- to name a few. Among his many longer-form projects were the PBS films, "Come Along with Me", "Our Children's War", and several documentaries for the History Channel. David Szabo's awards include a first-place Hugo Award, Clios and Addys for commercials edited as well as awards for industrial, corporate and documentary films. He was honored with an International Broadcast Network Award as 'Best Commercial International' for Blue Cross Blue Shield spot. He is survived by his wife of 27 years, Alida Szabo, a theater arts professional at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. A private service is being planned for springtime in Chicago. Memorial donations may be made to: www.chicagofilmarchives.org or Kartemquin Films, 773-472-4366.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Mar. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for David SZABO

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

Karen White

April 28, 2021

It was such a pleasure to have worked with Mr Szabo as a caretaker in his home before his passing condolences to ALL the family

Beverly Brubaker

March 5, 2017

David was my second cousin on my father's side. I know he loved visiting my grandmother (his great aunt) and her farm near Gratis, Ohio. We always knew he was pretty special because of his incredible musical abilities.

Liza Ravitz

March 5, 2017

Sending love and blessings-

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in David SZABO's name

Memorial Events
for David SZABO

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support David's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor David SZABO's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more