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David Amstutz Obituary
He was born May 6, 1928 in Marshallville, Ohio to Derlin J. and Ruth Eberly Amstutz. He married Ruth Arleen Thompson June 3, 1951. David was a graduate of Dalton High School and Manchester College, Indiana. He taught vocal and instrumental music at Northwestern High School for five years and at North and East High Schools in Akron for 25 years. He retired in 1981 and then team-taught kindergarten with his wife at Apple Creek Elementary until 1988. He and his wife were named Citizens of the Year of the Apple Creek community. He was also conductor of the church choir at East Union Lutheran for 45 years and was active in local music programs. He and his wife performed with their calliope for many years for parades and events.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, Michael (Beverly) of Huron, Ohio and Matthew (Deb) of Wooster; five grandsons, Andrew and Joshua of Columbus, Ohio, Philip (Amber) of Independence, Kentucky and Derek and Tristen of Wooster; a brother, Ronald (Cynthia) Amstutz of Evansville, Indiana; and a sister, Hazel Hobart of Orrville. David was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Mark in 1976 and a brother, Donald.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 at McIntire, Davis and Greene Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster and one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral service will be at East Union Lutheran Church on Thursday, April 21 at 11 a.m., with Revs. Rob Moskowitz and Edward Balint officiating. Interment will follow at Wooster Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the East Union Lutheran Church Carillion Fund, 7063 East Lincoln Way, Wooster, Ohio 44691.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Amstutz
Mark Dingle
April 12, 2025
Great Teacher! Got me started singing and gave me a major part in the musical Oklahoma as Judd Fry. I´ll never forget how he encouraged me throughout my high school career. Rest easy Mr. A what we affectionately called him. Well done thy good and faithful servant.
May 7, 2011
I graduated from East High in 1979 and Mr. A was such a sweet man. He had alot of tolerance for all of us in the band. May God be with his family in their time of need.
Peggy Marsico (Gainer)
April 27, 2011
Mr. A. was the BEST. I sang in his choir at North High all 3 years I attended there. He truly inspired me to continue singing which led to a professional career. He was a wonderful person as well as a very gifted teacher. My condolences to his family.
Bernice (Reed) Geggus
April 21, 2011
Mr. A was truly a wonderful music teacher. He taught at East High when I was there from 1970-1973. He inspired his students to be their best and I will always be grateful for his guidance. He leaves a legacy of music in my soul...RIP Mr. A.
Danny Millward
April 20, 2011
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Stephanie Arble
April 20, 2011
I remember being so disappointed to learn Mr. A was retiring from East High School. I've often wondered about him, recalling how much we'd learned, and how much we enjoyed his presence. I'll never forget the fun little things he used to say...knee-high to a grasshopper, caddywhompas, etc. I don't think he really knew how very much we thought of him and how we all loved him! A true teacher of not only music, but of how to have a heart of gold! We love you, Mr. A, now and always.
Barbara Hull Novak
April 20, 2011
Extending my deepest sympathy to the family of Mr Amstutz. He was truly one of the gentlest souls I've ever encountered - one of my fondest memories was singing in his choir at North High. Even his rare "Cruisin for a Bruisin'" was said with a smile on his face! He will be sorely missed.
April 20, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family. Mr. Amstutz was my choir director at East High. What a wonderful man. He had a way of making everyone feel so special. I was cast as Mama Paru in The Music Man. What a great experience. Gail Loughry Rose Class of 1969 (Terra Alta, WV)
Michael Sibbio
April 19, 2011
MR. A left an impression in my life of compassion, open mindedness and trust. I will always remember the days in the music room or auditorium playing music. These thoughts will resonate forever as a legacy to a man that truly supported the arts but looked deeper into the soul of each person he met.. I especially appreciated the gift of the use of the facility to create and explore music. Michael Sibbio class of 73
Bob Benson
April 19, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Amstutz family. Mr Amstutz was my choir director in 1969 at East HS when he approached me and said he wanted me to have the lead in Music Man. I was scared and excited at the same time, being a skinny and very shy young man. But Mr Amstutz had full confidence in me and I knew it. I used that confidence to get me through the program. He had a way of doing that. I used that experience to shape the rest of my life. Singing in many gospel groups over the years and still singing. I haven't seen Mr Amstutz since 1970 but thought of him often. Some people just go through life living and some go through life living and making a difference. Mr Amstutz made a difference in my life. Thank you Mr Amstutz and one of these days we will meet and sing a duet.
Cindy Hays Peck
April 19, 2011
I haven't thought of Mr. A 'since Curly was a pup'. I only sang for him for 1 year at East, his last, but he made an impression on me. I am still a singer. AND now I also live 'in God's country'.
Teri Hill-Pistrui
April 19, 2011
To His Bride of Almost 50 years and "Still on his Honeymoon" and his wonderful family I am deeply saddened by the your loss.
He taught more than music at East...he taught life long lessons to every soul he met. I am truly blessed to have had him as a teacher. I drove down to Wooster a few weeks ago looking for the little store he had told me about and was unable to find it. I just had a feeling he was being called home soon. His influence over my life was a great gift to me and my Bothers and Sisters "THE HILL KIDS" We were just talking about him on April 9th at the East Broadway Review. Him..the Wonderful man he truly was. His gifts were many and he gave something good to everyone he taught in my time at EHS. How apropos that he would go at a time that the song he wrote was so perfect for..I recall the lyrics" they led my Lord away..away..away....they led my Lord away..please tell me where to find him" God Bless You All..Teri Hill Pistrui EHS Class of 1980
Ron Weaver
April 19, 2011
What a fine man! Always wonderful to us when we were in his class! He was an inspiration to all of us. He has always been in our memory, thoughts and prayers. Mary Jane and Ron Weaver EHS Class of "75 and "76
Linda Aulino
April 19, 2011
Mr. Amstutz was Choir Director at North while I was there from 1960 to 1963. I spent a great deal of time behind the piano in the Band/Choir room, accompaning anyone he asked me to. Funny, he has been on my mind for the past few weeks. As has been said, Mr. Amstutz was a very gentle, kind man who was able to spread his love of music to his students -- especially gospel music. I still have fond memories of performing the "Hallelujah Chorus" and equally fond memories of Mr. Amstutz. I agree with another poster who believes that the Lord is saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Not many could compare to him. Your family is in my prayers.
Linda Carlson Aulino - NHS Class of 1963
Mark Dingle
April 19, 2011
I remember my first year at East High sitting in Study hall upset about having 3 study halls a day. Mr. A came into one of them and said. "Anybody want to get out of hear and join the chior." I jumped up and from thier started a great vocal career at East High. He taught me music in music theory class, He was always encouraging to me. My Junior year I tried out for the Vocal Ensemble and I made it. All because of him. He made me a young skinny black kid, a star playing Jud Fry in Oklahoma, I think our class is what made him retire 1981 (I was class of 1982). He did not come back our senior year. I did not know what a Vibrato was and he helped me develope a very nice Vibrato whiched helped me win a Vocal scholarship my senior year in high school which I took to the College of Wooster with me. I always wondered how he was doing and I just thank God for his presence in my life. Mr A, I am sure God is saying "well done thy good and faithful servant." Thank You for being a blessing to me!! Rest in Heaven.
April 19, 2011
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy for the family of a truly wonderful teacher that has left his students nothing but fond memories. I loved him as a teacher he was so kind. Thank you Mr A for being such a positive person in my life. Linda Weaver Class of 1969 EHS
Paul and Coni Cunningham
April 18, 2011
With deepest sympathy and fondest memories. Thank you for your leadership.. we have all prospered from your guidance....
Paul and Coni Cunningham
EHS - Class of 1965 and 1973
T Andersen
April 18, 2011
Mr A Was a wonderful teacher he brought life and light to all he touched. Thank you.
Coleen (Wilson) Diaz
April 18, 2011
I remember Mr. Amstutz at North. Very loving and fun teacher. Seemed like he really like his job and it seemed to not be just a job for him. Truly a nice guy and he will be missed. Class of 70
Denise Williams
April 18, 2011
To the Amstutz family my deepest condolences, I knew Mr. A from Akron East and he was a wonderful man with a true love of music. He had a heart of gold. He will be sadly missed. May God bless all of you.
Laura Baker
April 18, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the family. Mr A was also my choir instructor at Akron East High School. He instilled a love a music and choral singing that I still participate in today. He was a beautiful soul and I know he is now directing a choir of former student angels. May God bless you all. Laura Dodd Baker Class of 78.
Peggy Aschelman
April 18, 2011
Matt, my deepest sympathy for you and your entire family during this time.
April 18, 2011
To the family of Mr. Amstutz, I know Mr. Amstutz had many students over the years. I was the student at East High that loved music, his music history class, choir, and musicals. I will never forget his soft spoken ways. Class of 1975. Your loss is felt by many. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Linda Boyd
John Morton
April 18, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the Amstutz family. Mr. A was my choir instructor at East High. I'm still in music today. God bless you all.
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