David Dragich

David Dragich, 58, of Cleveland, OH, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021.

David lost his life tragically in a motorcycle accident on I-480 eastbound, just before the Valley View Bridge. He was on his way to watch his son, David Matthew, perform at a show in Chagrin Falls, OH. David’s life may have been cut short, but he impacted the lives of many while he was with us. He will forever be remembered for his huge heart, glowing smile, infectious laugh, thrill seeking attitude, absolute love of music, stunning beard, and wild sense of humor.

David was born in April of 1963 at Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, OH to Geri and Melvin Dragich – he was raised by his loving mother and grandmother, Gertrude Owens. As a teen, David loved spending time helping his grandmother in the kitchen which was when he developed his love for cooking – and even more so, eating. He also developed a passion for cars, trucks, and motorcycles at a young age.

At the tender age of 17, David enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic and ambulance driver. He spent a year training in the States and upon completing his duty in Fort Lewis, Washington, he was sent to Europe where he spent a year stationed in Landstuhl, Germany. He took tremendous pride in serving his country and even re-enlisted after being home for several months.

David was involved in a motorcycle accident when he was 21 that nearly took his life and ultimately kept him from reporting for his second term of duty. Due to the severity of his injuries, his doctors told him he would likely never have children. After months of relentless physical therapy, he successfully learned how to walk again and before long, he was back on a motorcycle.

In March of 1992, David and his better half at the time, Barb Roszek, were blessed with their son, David Matthew. David constantly referred to his son as “his miracle” and loved him more than anything in the world (yes, even riding a motorcycle). The two of them were inseparable – he took David Matthew fishing, camping, and on beach vacations whenever he could. He supported his son and always encouraged him to follow his dreams – often saying, “Son, you can do anything you set your mind to in this world – anything. You can do it. I believe in you.”

In July of 2007, David married Jean at City Hall in Cleveland. A couple years after their wedding, Jean suffered a tragic accident that left her disabled. David was her dedicated caretaker for over 12 years and up until his death, he never left her side.

 David is survived by his beloved and only son, David Matthew Dragich; loving mother, Geri Wilson (nee Owens); wife, Jean Dragich (nee Haase); half-sister, Julie Ann Dragich; half-brother, Douglas Dragich; stepbrothers, Jimmy and John Wilson; stepsister, Charlene Wilson; uncle, Duke and aunt, Fran (nee O’Donnell) Owens; cousins, Mary Beth Busson (nee Owens), Carol Ann (nee Owens) and Mike Wegas, Kenneth and Stacy (nee Meese) Owens, Julie (nee Paolella) and Larry Jordanek, Tina (nee Garrett) and Eddy Dunikowski; lifelong friends, Lisa Estrada (nee Jordanek) and Mark Jordanek. He was preceded in passing by his grandmother, Gertrude Owens; his father, Melvin Dragich; aunt, Cynthia Owens, and stepfather, Floyd “Papi” Wilson.

David’s family welcomes loved ones for visitation at Fortuna Funeral Home 7076 Brecksville Rd, Independence, OH 44131 on Saturday, September 25, 2021 from 4-7pm. Concluding service will begin at 6:30 p.m. Interment private.