David W. Graf, 55, died peacefully Saturday, Nov. 28, 2015, at Hospice of the Western Reserve in Euclid.
David was born Jan. 15, 1960, in Findlay to George F. and Elsie E. Graf.
He was one of several privileged students to attend the very first classes of Blanchard Valley School in the basement of Howard United Methodist Church and graduated from the center in May 1981. In his earlier days, he participated in many Special Olympics competing in swimming, golf, bowling and track and field. His most enjoyable pastime was looking through periodicals for his favorite person, George W. Bush. David was a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church, Findlay.
After graduation, David worked at the Blanchard Valley Workshop until 1994, when he moved to Willoughby to live with his sister and her family. He became part of the Deepwood Industries’ family through the Lake County Department of Developmental Disabilities working in the community at Manhattan Deli in Willoughby, and most recently for Ladies & Gentlemen Day Spa in Mentor.
He is survived by his brother, Jerry (Ann) Graf of Grand Rapids, Minn.; sister, Diana (Richard) Child of Willoughby; niece, Kim Graf Yates of Greensboro, N.C.; three nephews, Robert Graf of Grand Rapids, Minn.; Ryan Smith of Willoughby and Justin Smith of Nashville, Tenn.; great-niece and nephew, Brianna and Blake Smith; as well as many cousins and friends.
For David’s northeastern Ohio friends, a viewing will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, 2015, at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby. David will make his final trip to Findlay, where family and friends will be received from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2015, at Kirkpatrick Behnke Funeral Home, 500 Lima Ave., Findlay, where a service will immediately follow at the funeral home officiated by Rev. Robert Cochran of First Lutheran Church. David’s final resting place will be in Memory Gardens in Arcadia next to his parents.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Blanchard Valley Center, 1700 E. Sandusky St., Findlay, OH 45840; Deepwood Industries 8121 Deepwood Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060 or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 17876 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, OH 44110.
David was one of God’s “special” people born with Downs Syndrome, and with his caring demeanor, wit and contagious smile, he never met a person he did not like. He was truly loved by many and will be greatly missed.
To leave condolences for the family or light a memorial candle, visit www.MCVfuneralhomes.com.

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