David R. Mauerman

David Robert Mauerman, a beloved father, proud papa, cherished brother, best friend, and loyal Cleveland Browns fan, passed away at the age of 68 on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family after a valiant effort to overcome colon cancer for five years.

Dave was born in Youngstown, Ohio, on October 26, 1955, to David Henry and Margaret Joan (Wilson) Mauerman. He spent his entire life in Youngstown, attending St. Dominic's School and graduating from Cardinal Mooney in 1974. After graduating, he worked as a manager at Valu-Drug, earning the dubious nickname "Candy Man" among his friends. When the store closed, he managed a grocery store before leaving to pursue a career in landscaping. He remained a self-employed landscape contractor, always one to live life on his own terms. He often worked as a Teamster until his retirement in 2019. 

Dave thoroughly enjoyed physical labor, the sun, and outdoor challenges outside of work. He created countless cherished memories by camping at Pymatuning Lake, fishing, and enjoying bonfires in the backyard with his family and friends. Even at home, he took pleasure in caring for his vegetable garden, elaborate pond complete with fish, and meticulously maintained lawn. Dave also had a deep love for rock-n-roll, particularly Led Zeppelin. You could often hear Dave's stereo blaring as he rocked out to his favorite tunes while tending to his garden or working on his landscaping projects.

Dave was a devoted Cleveland Browns fan, known for his unwavering support from the Dawg Pound, even in the face of inclement Cleveland weather. He curated an expansive Cleveland Browns mancave where each game was shared with friends and family, accompanied by a colorful array of language and inventive justifications for the team's enduring losing streak. While Steelers fans were begrudgingly accepted, they couldn't evade good-natured teasing, including finding a team bumper sticker strategically placed inside the toilet bowl.

Dave was like a magnet, always drawing people in with his mischievous humor and sharp wit. After work, you could always find him and his best buddy, John, sipping coffee and cracking jokes. During weekends and gamedays, you could see him on his old flip phone, deep in conversation with Danny, his lifelong friend, and brother, both fervently believing that this was the year the Browns would finally reach the Super Bowl. When the Browns or Ohio State weren't playing on the weekend, Sundays were reserved for rowdy card games with family and friends. This was also when Dave made his famous spaghetti sauce, known for its volcanic-like acidity that no one ever dared mention. Instead, they each groaned out of earshot at the enormity of the pot. Even as this was written, a debate ensued about whether Dave would haunt anyone who agreed. When it came to holidays, family, friends, and misfits were welcome at the house. However, Dave was vocal about his disdain for turkey and always insisted on having ham instead. Ultimately, this enduring humor in every situation, even during his battle with cancer, made him heroic to those around him.

However, among Dave's passions, his greatest was undoubtedly his unwavering dedication to his children. Whether he was coaching their soccer teams, opening up his home for his son's drums and band practice, traveling all over the region to attend gymnastic competitions, art displays, the band's shows, or setting the pole bar for his daughter at track and field meets, Dave's love and support knew no bounds. This beautiful tradition of love and support lived on when "Big Dave" became "Papa." He lovingly referred to his grandson as "Little Man," a nickname that evolved into "Big Man" as his grandson grew older. And, against all odds, he defied expectations with his unwavering determination to see his first granddaughter this December.

Dave is survived by his wife, Tina Marie (Calderone), whom he married on August 30, 1991. She provided care and support during his cancer journey, standing by him with compassion and kindness throughout his illness; his son, David(Kathryn) Mauerman; his daughter, Sarina (Nick) Anderson; a grandson, David John Mauerman; a granddaughter, Charlotte Rose Anderson; three sisters, Pamela (David) Damon, Debra Meehan, and Maureen (William) Jefferson; two brothers, Daniel Mauerman and James (Bev) Mauerman; his best friend, John Bryan; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister-in-law, Judy (Juda) Mauerman; and brother-in-law, Timothy R. Meehan.

Dave requested no traditional calling hours or funeral services. In fact, he humorously insisted, 'bury me upside down so you can all kiss my ass.' Since none of us were willing to do that, we will host a lively Celebration of Life party in the summer of 2025. This event is a special opportunity for family and friends to come together to honor and cherish the memory of Dave.

Finally, from your son: Each new day, I will miss you and always love you as "big as the sky."

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