David E. Schantz 1937-2025

He was born in 1937 in New Castle, Pa., to Ruth Burry Schantz and Harry Schantz. After a rocky four years, David graduated from New Castle High School in 1955. A quote from his yearbook read, “Dave drives the teachers mad. When he leaves they’ll all be glad.”

After high school, he entered the United States Navy, where he served for four years as a dental technician.

As fate would have it, he then went on to pursue a career in teaching. David received a bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown University and a master’s degree in education from Westminster College. He was employed as a dedicated teacher at Youngstown City Schools for over 30 years, where he taught fifth and sixth grade.

David was married to the love of his life, Carole Griffith Schantz, and raised two sons, Mark and Jeffry.

He is survived by his sister, Laurel, and her husband, Nick; cousin, Lawrence; son, Mark; daughters-in-law, Paige and Giannina; and grandsons Evan, Griffin and Cameron. Other family members include his nephew, David, and his wife, Bianca, and their children, Nina, Kaya and Nico; niece, Elizabeth, and her husband, Lee, and their children, Drew, Tate and Cole; nephew, Seth, and his wife, Chelsea, and their children, Davis, Margaret and Nora; and niece, Gwen, and her husband, Tom, and their children, Thomas and John.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole; son, Jeffry; sister, Meridee; brother-in-law, Tom; cousin, Margaret; niece, Kristan; sister-in-law, Barbara; and brother-in-law, John.

David had a love for reading. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed playing basketball, tennis and softball, and watching sports of all types, especially his beloved Steelers and Pirates. He took great joy in attending his grandsons’ sporting events and was ever present at their baseball and football games.

David was known for his sense of humor, generosity and love of family. He is fondly remembered by his neighbors as someone who loved reading on his front porch and who always had time for a conversation.

Arrangements are being handled by the Davis-Becker Funeral Home, Boardman. Online condolences may be made at www.beckerobits.com.

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