David J. Piero

David J. Piero, Sr.

Age 83 of Canton, Ohio passed away in his ‘man cave’ surrounded by his loving wife and family on Wednesday evening. Dave, often referred to by family as ‘superman,’ was an avid fisherman, legendary craftsman and a handyman that always knew how to fix every problem. Nothing was more important to him than God, family, fishing and of course, Notre Dame football. But, not necessarily in that order.

Dave, together with his loving wife of 62-years, Judy, created a family which has grown into a small army that he is now watching over. His selflessness and unassuming demeanor was greatly respected, admired and will never be forgotten by his children, family or friends.

He adored watching his grandchildren grow up and could always be spotted in the stands at every sporting event. Just weeks before he returned home to be with God and his late son, Michael, he remained full of energy and life as he enjoyed swimming, raspberry and apple picking with his great grandchildren.

Dave graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1954 and attended Kent State University. He served in the Army for several years and further developed a strong work ethic while helping manage the family-owned gas station business alongside his father. He was the president of the Boilermakers Union Lodge No. 1191 and later retired from Diebold after 38 years of service. Raising a large family was never easy, but he made a lot of sacrifices in order to provide what he and Judy deemed most important to their family—a Catholic education and upbringing.

Dave, a righteous, loving, supportive and devoted man will be missed beyond measure, but his spirit and remembrance will live on through the values deeply embedded within the Piero family and all the various people he touched throughout life.

He is survived by his wife Judith (Dowling) Piero of Canton; sons, David (Debra) Piero Jr. of North Canton, Patrick (Jennifer) Piero of Avon Lake, Ohio; daughters, Anne (Robert) Silagy of North Canton, Kathleen Piero of Canton; grandchildren, Kristan (Bill) Preston, Kelly (Sean) Finelli, Alisha Silagy, Kara (Andrew) Bendle, David (Laura) Piero, Bobby Silagy, Daniel Piero, Michael Silagy, Julia Meyers; great grandchildren, Olivia and Jack Finelli, William Preston III, Henry David Preston; sister, Joanne Weber of Canton; brother, Robert Piero of St. Augustine, Florida. He is proceeded in death by son, Michael Piero; parents, Irvin and Esther Piero; brother, Thomas Piero; and sister, Peggy Wallis.

Mass of Christian burial will held Monday at 10 a.m. at Christ the Servant Catholic Parish with Monsignor Gaetano and Fr. Thomas P. Dyer as co-celebrants. Burial will be in Sunset Hills Memory Gardens. Friends may call Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at the Wackerly Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mike Piero Scholarship Fund c/o St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

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