David Lawrence Giffin

I, David L. Giffin, was born on August 1, 1949, and passed away peacefully into the arms of my Lord on August 25, 2024, surrounded by my loving wife, Darlene and family. I was born and raised in God's country on North Hillin Akron, Ohio. I attended St. Martha's grade school and graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School in 1967. I went on to the University of Akron earning a BS in 1974 and an MA in 1986. I was also a proud member of the Lone Star Fraternity.
After two years of teaching in parochial schools I moved on to public education teaching at Black River Middle School and working as a guidance counselor at Mansfield City Schools, Mogadore LocalSchools and Revere Local Schools. Throughout my teaching tenure I coached middle school and high school football, was head wrestling coach at Mogadore and Revere and was a track assistant at Black River and Revere. I enjoyed my teaching career immensely.
After my retirement I volunteered at hot meal programs at St. Bernard's and Queen of Heaven parishes. I have been doing prison ministry befriending an inmate on death row for the past fourteen years. I participated in all the outreach programs at New Life Episcopal Church in Uniontown where I served on the vestry and was a Steven Minister.
I was preceded in death by my parents, John M. and Marlene Giffin and brother James. I am survived by my wife of fifteen years, Darlene Giffin, sisters Frances Howell and Katherine Clark (Harry} and brothers John Giffin (Vicki) and Paul Giffin, step-daughters Karrie Dewalt(David) and Kristen Fischer, granddaughters Grace and Ruby Dewalt, grandson Curtis Rhoades, and great-grandchildren Silas Dewalt and Ensley Adams. I am also survived by my nieces Maria DiCintio, Ann Rose (Bill), Kelly Ruby (Michael), and nephews James and Michael Giffin (Tracy).
I am very grateful to the doctors and nurses at Cleveland Clinic Akron General, especially the infusion lab personnel and the Hospice team for their care and compassion throughout my cancer treatment. Darlene and I would also thank our family, friends and all of my Lone Star Brothers for the love and support they have given us through my end-of-life journey.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of my life and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, August 31, 2024, at 11 :00 am at Queen of Heaven Parish, 1800 Steese Road, Uniontown OH 44685, officiated by Fr. Norman Douglas. Family will receive friends Friday August 30, 2024, from 4-7 pm at Anthony Funeral Home, 4178 Massillon Rd., Green, Oh. 44685 (corner of Steese and Massillon, entrance off Steese) and one hour prior to the service at the parish. Interment will take place for the immediate family at Holy Cross Cemetery after the luncheon at the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Akron-Canton Food Bank, akroncantonfoodbank.org.
See Ya!