David M. Vitko 1959-2020
COLUMBIANA — Dr. David M. Vitko passed away into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, July 3, 2020.
David was born April 14, 1959, in Youngstown.
He is survived by his forever love Denise, whom he married Aug. 7, 1981, a daughter Kelly (Ned) Grace and soon-to-be-born grandson Teddy of West Palm Beach, Fla.; son, David James of Tampa, Fla.; sister, Karen (Paul) Arbogast of Columbiana; brothers, Paul (Denise) Vitko of Chaska, Minn. and Andrew (Colleen) Vitko of Medina; and several beautiful sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends will truly miss him.
Dr. Vitko was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary Vitko.
David grew up in New Springfield and attended Youngstown State University and Kent State University where he played football. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Life University, Marietta, Ga., and made his home in Columbiana where he and his wife Denise ran a successful practice for over 34 years.
David excelled in the healthcare profession with his enthusiasm and drive to help others reach their goals; he was always passionate about healthy eating and the effects on the body. He used every bit of his God-given talent to help others and was blessed with an inventive mind. He was an inventor and an author, inventing the “Backstroke” back massager, which he sold thousands of on QVC and Home Shopping Network, and later became the “Backtrac” back massager. His first prototypes were built in his basement with the help of family and friends. He was fortunate to have the skills to do just about anything he put his mind to and did it at 100 percent, with perfection. He learned his work ethic from his father Peter. His book “Perfect Cholesterol in Just Three Weeks without Drugs” helped thousands of people lower their cholesterol. David helped several patients on specialty back products.
Always looking for an adventure, Dr. Vitko once walked to Washington, D.C., in the early 90s to meet with congressmen to support healthcare reform.
He was very active in the community as a member of the board of directors for Columbiana schools, and held health lectures, seminars and health restoration programs. For over a year he hosted his own radio show on Sunday mornings, “Enjoy Incredible Health with Dr. Vitko.” He shared vital health information and received much support and love from his listeners. He looked so forward each week to Sunday mornings.
With his love for sports, he was active in helping build the existing baseball fields and teamed up with the community to help build Firestone Funland.
David was a devoted husband and father, following his children and all of their activities including coaching soccer and baseball, and being supportive in golf, basketball, volleyball, dance and piano recitals; he never missed a game or event.
He was a member of Greenford Christian Church. David will be forever in our hearts and minds and will be deeply missed.
A private graveside service for family will be held with Len Derico officiating.
Very special thanks to Hospice of the Valley and the Hospice House of Poland.
The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana with the arrangements for their loved one.
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