David L. Speakman

Charlottesville, Va. - David L. "Speaks" Speakman, 81, of Charlottesville, Virginia, passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters, on Sunday, October 2, 2022.

David was born in Paulding County, Ohio, on February 22, 1941. He is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Eden "Speaks" Speakman (d. 1959), his mother, Laura Stouffer Speakman (d. 1995) and his three half-sisters, Nadine Dresskell, Anita Arline and Cleo Taylor.

David is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patricia "Pat" (Gerken) Speakman, his daughter, Victoria (Speakman) Veliky and her husband, David Veliky of Keswick, Virginia, his daughter, Elizabeth (Speakman) Graves and her husband David Graves of Evergreen, Colorado, and three grandchildren, Savannah Veliky of Las Vegas, Nevada, John "Jack" Veliky of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Lucas Allan Graves, of Evergreen, Colorado.

David grew up in his beloved hometown of Oakwood, Ohio, graduating from high school there. He attended both Bowling Green State University and Defiance College. He graduated from Defiance College in 1963, receiving his diploma from former President Dwight D. Eisenhower. David also completed graduate work at the University of Florida.

David combined his love of technology and love of food into a 59-year career in the food industry. His business career began with the Campbell Soup Company, followed by Heinz, Pillsbury, DairyLea, Johnston Company, ConAgra and Gertrude Hawk Chocolates. He was an executive who truly cared for the products and the people who made them. David had a creative mind and holds two patents. David retired with Gertrude Hawk Chocolates, a family owned business in Dunmore, Pennsylvania. Employment there was a "sweet" way to enter retirement. David served on the board of his alma mater, Defiance College, as well as Lackawanna College and Johnson College in Scranton, Pennsylvania. David was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlottesville, Virginia.

As a young man, David played baseball, basketball and golf. Later he took up tennis to be his wife's favorite partner. When he retired he enjoyed golf. David was also an avid "car guy" who frequented car shows and owned several cool rides. David had a dry sense of humor. He was kind and honest. He will be profoundly missed by family and friends.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support and prayers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Hydrocephalus Association, in honor of Lucas Graves (David's grandson), 9249 S. Broadway, Suite 200-845, Highlands Ranch, CO 80129 or All Blessing's Flow, a local non-profit medical equipment donation center, 2335 Seminole Lane, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2023. More details will be forthcoming.