David A. DePaul

David A. DePaul, 75, of Cortland, passed peacefully at Briarfield Place on Saturday, January 27, 2024. His last days were spent with his children and his guardian angel Rita McIntosh, comforting him on his last journey. David left this world with his son holding his hand, telling him he is loved and will be greatly missed.

David was born in Youngstown, Ohio on March 16, 1948 to the late Anthony "Rummy" and Catherine (Clarkson) DePaul. He grew up in Hubbard, Ohio, surrounded by a large extended family with deep roots in the town. He graduated from Hubbard High School in 1966. After school, David worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for the Youngstown and Boardman area for more than 40 years, retiring in 2012.

In 1971, David met the love of his life and future wife, Donna (Parker) DePaul. They married on September 9, 1972 with a Catholic ceremony and a huge party afterward. They settled in Mineral Ridge, and later Cortland, raising two children and six dogs over their 50-year marriage. Sadly, Donna passed away on August 8, 2022, leaving David with a deep grief for the seventeen months he survived her.

David was charming, funny, smart, witty, and a one-of-a-kind perfectionist. He had a strong ethical code and a sharp sense for order and design. He alphabetized everything, labeled whatever he could, and kept a kitchen in tip-top shape. He was a trivia master, an avid Cleveland baseball fan, and had a knack for winning concert tickets through radio station contests. David was friendly to every person and every dog he ever met. A self-proclaimed introvert who could find himself lost in conversation with friends and strangers alike, and who always had a dog treat in his pockets for new furry friends.

David's passion was music. He had an extensive vinyl collection and borrowed CDs from the local library to find new bands and new styles to share with his family and friends. His all-time favorites were the Beatles, Donovan, the Clarks, Tom Petty, and Jackson Browne. A favorite of late was Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. He especially loved "The Big White Gate," which we listened to many times in his last days. We like to think of him going to Heaven and stealing the lyrics: "Saint Peter, won't you open up the big white gate? Cause I heard about forgiveness and I hope it ain't too late. No, I ain't no holy roller but you go tell your King, that all the folks up in Heaven might like to hear me sing."

David is survived by his two children, Sara DePaul of Washington D.C. and David (Sarah Broome) DePaul of Chandler, Arizona. He also leaves behind his infant granddaughter, Clara Jane DePaul. While David never got to meet her, he was forever thinking of her, enjoying video chats with her, and buying her enough presents to fill her first ten birthdays. Also surviving David are his brothers Darryl (Cynthia) and Douglas (Mary Jane). Lastly, he also leaves behind his two faithful pet companions - Arlo and Cooper. They brought him immense comfort in the last months of his life, and they miss him terribly.

The family thanks The Inn at GlenEllen, Briarfield Place, and Akeso Hospice for their compassionate care of David over the last six months.

In respect of David's wishes, the family will not be holding any services. For anyone who wishes to remember David, memorial contributions can be made to the Warren Family Mission. Donations can be mailed with David's name in the memo to PO Box 311, Warren, Ohio 44483 or made online at www.warrenfamilymission.org.