David L Karzmer

Boardman - David L. Karzmer passed away Tuesday with his family by his side after a brief but courageous battle with leukemia.  

Born to Jack and Rita Karzmer, David was a lifelong Youngstown resident who built a legacy of family and business throughout his lifetime. 

Hard work was something David learned early and continued to display until the very end. From his first job caddying at Tippecanoe Country Club as a twelve-year-old, through his final sales chapters, David displayed an unmatched work ethic and determination, fueled by an internal desire to provide.  

Throughout his life, his business ventures helped provide jobs for thousands of Valley residents. And his philanthropic ways, so often quiet or unknown, helped many during their times of need. 

More than anything, David was a provider for his family. First as a husband to the love of his life, Marsha (Ford), whom he married in December 1980. Their love for each other was the bedrock that their future lives were built upon.  

Then, as an incredible father to his proudest accomplishments, his children; Jonah, Justin, Carly and Jordan. And lastly, as “Papa Dave” to six incredible grandchildren who were lucky enough to get to experience his unwavering support at every sporting event, his silliness at their homes, his famous foot-rubs that the kids waited in line for, and most importantly, his unending love. 

Through good times and bad, David was the family patriarch who made sure his family’s experiences remained as special as they were. Family trips, sporting events, time on the golf course, and the very special “rotating” business trips were beloved experiences the Karzmer kids experienced through their childhoods. 

One of David’s most admired traits was his ability to “make friends” with people of all backgrounds. With an unmatched humor and wit, from private jets to Amish buggy’s, David had a way of making good friends everywhere he went.  

While his battle with cancer was short, it allowed so many people throughout his life to reach out and express their love for him. Those phone calls and texts to his wife and kids, were all received and helped remind everyone just how loved and admired he truly was. 

Although he may have left us physically, David’s memory and character will be remembered and carried on through the loved ones he leaves behind. 

David leaves to cherish his memory, beloved wife of 44 years, Marsha Ford, his children and their families; Jonah (Beth) Stella and Vivienne Karzmer; Justin (Katie) Charlotte and Jack Karzmer; Carly (Justin) Finn and Sylvie Gable; Jordan Karzmer and Angelique Zetts; his brothers, Robert, Steven, and Jonathan Karzmer and families; his sister-in-law, Barbara Ford; his brother-in-law, Walter Ford Jr and family, and so many nieces, nephews, and extended family members, all of whom added joy and love to his life over the years. 

Friend. Colleague. Teacher. Son. Brother. Husband. Dad. Papa. How lucky we all were to know and love him. 

Friends are invited to share time this Sunday, December 1, for an open memorial put on by the family at the Youngstown Temple, Ohev Beth Sholom at 119 Elm St. Youngstown, at 1:30 p.m.

Donations may be made in David's memory to the MiracleFeet Foundation, 107 Conner Drive, Suite 230 Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward J. Fox & Sons Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman. Family and friends of David may visit www.foxfuneralhome.org to view this obituary and to leave condolences for the Karzmer family.

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