David A. “Dave” Vance

David A. Vance, age 54, of New Philadelphia, passed away peacefully late Friday afternoon, May 24, 2013, in Union Hospital at Dover following a month long illness.

Born at Dover September 4, 1958, he was a son of the late Larry J. and Carol J. Irvin Vance.

Best known as Dave to his family and friends, he was a 1977 graduate of New Philadelphia High School who went to work in his family business with his father at Larry’s Body Shop. He went on to join his father-in-law, the late Richard Anderson, in the operation of Anderson Electric, and upon succeeding him, renamed the company Dave Vance Electric, and was instrumental in projects large and small throughout the valley.

He’ll be remembered by his family as “Mr. Fix It” always taking time to help his children and sisters around the house with renovations and improvements. Dave was always on the lookout for others, and took the time each season for much of the last decade to erect a large lighted Christmas display originally set up by his father, and later Ed Quillen, dedicating it to their honor.

Active in the community, Dave formerly coached Little League during his son’s tenure on the team, and helped organize the electrical logistics for the annual First Town Days Festival at Tuscora Park.

Survivors include his daughter, Stephanie (David) Hykes and his son, Matthew Vance, all of New Philadelphia, three grandchildren; Madison and Jordyn Vance and Triston Hunter, also of New Philadelphia.

Dave will be sadly missed by two sisters, Brenda (Ted) Polka and Becky (James) Miller, both of New Philadelphia, and many nieces, nephews, and a special friend, Jill.

His former mother-in-law, Marlene Anderson, of New Philadelphia, completes the family.

In addition to his parents, Dave is preceded in death by his infant grandchildren Logan J. Broome and Bristol B. Hykes, and his former father-in-law, Richard Anderson.

Friends are invited to call Tuesday, May 28, from 2-4 and from 6-8PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia.

Denny Trimmer, Sr. will lead a funeral service celebrating Dave’s life Wednesday morning at 10:30 in the funeral home’s chapel. Burial will follow in Evergreen Burial Park. Following the committal service, family and friends will gather in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, for a luncheon reception.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.