David John Essex

  David John Essex, 88, of Point Place passed away on January 16, 2021 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born in Toledo, Ohio on November 4, 1932 to Julia and Joseph Essex. David graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1951 then worked for the Merchant Marines until being drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he served for two years. He married Donna Keefe in 1957 and enjoyed 57 years of happy marriage with her while raising their three daughters. He worked for the Chrysler Company (Toledo Machining Plant) for 33 years as a Stationary Engineer, a job that suited his mechanical and electrical aptitude. He was a tinkerer who loved to work on cars and could fix almost anything. Always a gentleman with a kind heart and an easy-going, warm disposition, David worked hard to give his family a good life. He enjoyed time with his family, horse racing, the casino, playing cards and a good conversation.

  David was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Donna; his sisters, Rose Rombach, Elizabeth and Josephine Essex; and his brothers, John, James, Joseph, and Michael Essex. David will be deeply missed by his daughters, Victoria (Paul) Samenuk, Laura (Christopher) Gallaher, and Jill (David) Gonzales; his grandchildren, Paul (Beth), Nicholas (Taylor), and Peter (Brae) Samenuk, and Seth (Mariam) and Paige Gallaher; great-grandchildren, Paul Michael and Evelyn Samenuk, and Inaaya Gallaher; sisters, Mary and Sharon Essex, and Julia Bagley; and many loving nieces and nephews.

  The Funeral Mass for David will be Saturday, January 30 at 11 a.m. in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 5153 N. Summit St., Toledo preceded by visitation in the church from 10-11 a.m. Inurnment will be at a later date in Fort Meigs Cemetery, Perrysburg, OH. Those attending visitation and Mass are asked to wear a facial covering and respect social distancing guidelines.

  The family would like to thank the staff at The Waterford of Levis Commons Assisted Living and Hospice of Northwest Ohio for their excellent care and support during David’s illness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sujkowski Funeral Home Northpointe, 419-476-9176. Condolences can be shared online at www.sujkowski.com.