David Endres

David Paul Endres, 81, of Grafton passed away peacefully in his home on August 15, 2024.

He was born in New Philadelphia on March 24, 1943, to Paul E. and Lucy (Barnes) Endres. His family lived in a converted one room schoolhouse on a hill overlooking the family business Endres Floral. As a young boy he was often focused on getting into mischief around the property. On one occasion, he and his older brother John, his frequent partner in crime, fell through the roof of the greenhouse.

After graduating from high school, Dave attended the University of Dayton earning an Associate Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, Dave was drafted into the United States Army. He attended officer training school earning the rank of lieutenant. During the Vietnam War he served in Thailand directing the construction of roads and landing strips. Upon his honorable discharge, he completed his formal education at The Ohio State University and obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering. While he was a student at OSU, Dave met his future wife, Jerri, at a Valentine’s Day party. They married on June 19, 1971.

His early career as an aeronautical engineer at Rockwell International gave him the opportunity to contribute to early designs of the space shuttle. The rest of his career he worked as a mechanical engineer, ultimately retiring from Avery Dennison as a major projects manager in 1998. 

Outside of work Dave’s interests in science and aviation led him to build Heathkit TVs, home computers, telescopes and the majority of an BD4 airplane just for fun. He spent countless hours grinding mirrors to build an eight foot reflector telescope. Dave was also an amateur astronomer and piloted his own airplane.

Dave’s family includes his wife of 53 years, Geraldine F. “Jerri” (Fox) Endres; his children, Christopher Endres and Megan (Andy) Paparella; grandchildren, Isabelle and Joshua; sisters, Debby (Al) Landis and Kathy (Wink) Casey; and his brother, Joe Endres.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in passing by his brother, John Endres. 

A private burial will be held in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia.

Memorial contributions in Dave’s memory may be directed to the American Cancer Society, https://donate.cancer.org.