David Theodore Deutsch

After a year-long struggle with cancer, David Theodore Deutsch of Sebring, OH, passed away while in hospice care on October 18, 2020, at the age of 75.

David is survived by his sisters, Donna Deutsch of Jensen Beach, FL, Margaret Deutsch Sanders (Henry) of Palatka, FL, and Dorothy Deutsch McLean of Auburndale, FL; step-son, Michael Green of Cuyahoga Falls; nieces, Holly Sanders Coulliette (Scott) of Palatka, FL, and Heather McLean of Auburndale, FL; nephew, Ted Sanders (Kim) of Chesapeake, VA; great-niece, Abby Coulliette of Palatka, FL; and great-nephews, Matthew Sanders and Luke Sanders of Chesapeake, VA, Austin Coulliette of Palatka, FL, and Ethan Holcomb of Auburndale, FL.  David is also survived by his friend and companion, Nancy Brunner of Sebring, OH, his loving care-giver and strength during his days of attempted recovery.

David was born on August 14, 1945, in Marshalltown, IA, to Garner Theodore Deutsch and Helen Elizabeth Deutsch (née Jones), who pre-deceased him.  David was also pre-deceased by his brother, Captain Henry Albert Deutsch, a Vietnam casualty of 1965.

David graduated from Palatka Senior High School in Palatka, FL in 1963, completed Basic Training at Ft. Jackson, SC, in 1963, and entered Florida State University in 1964.  A huge fan of FSU football, David decided to try out for the Seminoles’ cheerleading squad; from that point on, he had a front row seat at every game and did back-flips down the sideline after every touchdown.  David earned a Bachelor’s degree from FSU in 1968, a Master’s degree from the University of Florida in 1969, and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois University in 1975. He then joined the staff of the Veterans’ Hospital in Carbondale, IL, then the Health Sciences Center Hospital in Lubbock, TX, with responsibilities in exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and adult fitness.

In 1979, David began a teaching career in Exercise Science/Physiology at Kent State University where he also advised graduate students on their research studies until his retirement in 2004, a role he found deeply rewarding.  Second only to his passion for teaching was his love of coaching; as coach of the high school swimming program in Kent, OH, and the YMCA AAU programs in Alliance and Carbondale, he became a mentor and friend to many, forming relationships which lasted a lifetime.  In retirement, David continued teaching part-time at the University of Mount Union and KSU while also providing health care assessments as a volunteer at the Maranatha Outreach.

David was an avid reader of political and historical books who enjoyed chopping wood every winter and readying his birdhouse every spring.  He was most proud of his collection of sunrise photographs; wherever there was a sunrise, David was there with his camera.  Spring usually saw David traveling south to visit his sisters and catch up with old friends.  Over the years, he attended many family graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and high school reunions.

David was a loving - and beloved - son, little brother, big brother, uncle, friend and neighbor. A celebration of life will be held on November 14, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. at Cassaday-Turkle -Christian Funeral Home. Friends may call 2 hours prior. Pastor Jon Truax of Science Hill Community Church will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Aultman Alliance Hospice, 2461 W. State St, Alliance, Ohio; Alliance Domestic Violence Shelter, P.O. Box 3622, Alliance, Ohio; or your local food bank.