David E. Stryffeler 1931-2026

Born on June 16, 1931, in North Jackson, Ohio, David was the son of the late Emanuel and Olive Wehr Stryffeler. Raised on a dairy farm in North Jackson, he developed a lifelong work ethic and dedication to family and community. A proud graduate of Jackson Milton High School in 1949, where he served as class president, David turned down a football scholarship to Kent State University and chose to attend the United States Coast Guard Academy. Following graduation from the Academy with a Bachelor of Science in engineering, he honorably served in the United States Coast Guard from June 5, 1953, to Aug. 31, 1956.

David devoted 35 years of his professional life as an engineer at Packard Electric, from September 1956 until his retirement in July 1991.

Family was central to David’s life. He married Mary Teresa Murphy on April 14, 1956; they shared 69 years of marriage. He is survived by his seven children, Harry (Laura) Stryffeler, Peggy (Bob) Pecchio, Mickey (Francine) Stryffeler, Davey (Colleen) Stryffeler, Dan (Elizabeth) Stryffeler, Tina (Dan) Kubacki and Ellen (Joe) DiFrancesco; and close family member, Donald (Nicole) Dobrindt. He was a loving grandfather to 28 grandchildren and a proud great-grandfather to 27 great-grandchildren, leaving a legacy of love, guidance and wisdom.

Throughout David’s years as an Austintown resident, he was an active and contributing member of the community. Specifically, Austintown Little League, the Saxon Club, Boy Scouts of America, Austintown Little Falcons, Austintown Township Park, and the Board of Elections.

David was inducted into the Austintown Growth Foundation Hall of Fame in 2005 for his selfless service to the youth of Austintown and leadership by example. From 1969 to 1987, he served the Austintown Little League as a coach, secretary and president. He played an integral part in the laying out and construction of the present-day baseball complex known as Champ Field. In the 1970s, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America as commissioner for the Big Arrow District of the Mahoning Valley Council.

David also served for four years on a committee for the Austintown Township Park Board, helping to establish the beloved “Bands in the Park” summer program. In the 1990s, he volunteered with the Republican Party, serving as the committeeman for six years.

A member of the Saxon Club for 36 years, David served as trustee, third vice president and president. In 2009, he was honored as “Man of the Year” by the Alliance of Transylvanian Saxons.

David was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Teresa; brothers, Myron (Sally) Stryffeler and Dale (Jean) Stryffeler; and sister, Marjorie (Richard) Noble.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the funeral home, with interment in Green Haven Memorial Gardens, accompanied by military honors.

A special thank you is extended to all of the caretakers who provided compassionate care for David and Teresa over the past years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.

David E. Stryffeler’s life was a testament to service, family, and community, leaving an enduring impact on all who knew him.

(special notice)