David Robert Laubacher

Age 68, passed away March 9, 2022, after a valiant, 4-year battle with ALS. David was born March 15, 1953, the youngest of six children of Clarence and Mabel (Temple) Laubacher of Malvern, Ohio.

 David was a graduate of Malvern High School and the University of Akron, where he was a walk-on, 3-year letterman as defensive back and punt returner for the Zips. After college, David had brief stints in both the World Football League (Memphis Southmen) and the National Football League (Washington Redskins). He also played 3 years of semi-pro football for the Tuscarawas County Vikings with many accomplishments including 4 interceptions as a defensive back in one game against the Columbus Winds and defeating the Canton Bulldogs on last minute pass receptions as a wide receiver in 3 of the 4 games that were played in consecutive years. David also played competitive softball for the Jay’s (Alliance, OH) and Walther’s Café (Canton, OH). He moved to Denver, CO in 1981 and continued to play softball for local teams including Master Collision, Denver Merchants, Tate’s Pizza, Softball West, TPS, and Pilcher’s Ultimate 50’s. David was inducted into Colorado’s USSSA Softball Hall of Fame in 2007.

 Professionally, David’s career in sales management and strategic consulting spanned 46 years earning him numerous industry awards and accolades.

 David used his athletic discipline to defend his life against ALS. He spent much of his last four years researching the illness and advocating for policy change and early access to promising treatments. His final, offensive “play” was the donation of his physical body to the Cleveland Clinic for medical research.

 David is preceded in death by parents Clarence and Mabel (Temple) Laubacher; brothers-in-law Floyd Hays, Dan Bosh, and David Kowal; niece Anita Laubacher, and nephew Danny Laubacher. He is survived by siblings Lee (Jackie) Laubacher of Canton, Bill (Sherry) Laubacher of Minerva, Judy (Jerry) Hasch of Minerva, Kay Bosh of Waynesburg, and Mary Laubacher of Malvern, as well as 15 nieces and nephews. David leaves behind his beloved pet cat, Fergie, and was deeply appreciative for the love and support of friends, teammates, and caregivers in his final months.

 A Memorial Mass will be held Sat. April 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Malvern, OH, with a luncheon to follow at Noon in the church hall. Memorial donations in David’s honor can be made to Aultman Alliance Hospice: https://aultmanfoundation.org/home/giving/choose-your-good/aultman-alliance-community-hospital/.

Gordon (330) 866-9425

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