David "Dave" S. Messaris

David S. Messaris, 76, of Massillon, passed away on February 17, 2021 at his home with his loving family by his side. He was born on October 29, 1944 in Massillon to the late Salvatore “Sam” and Helen (Malich) Messaris. Dave worked as an accountant for Republic Steel and retired after 30+ years of service. He was also a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Massillon. Dave married the love of his life, Joyce Gannon on November 22, 1969 and they shared 51 loving years together. His life centered on his family and he was a very loving and devoted husband, an amazing dad to his two daughters and a proud papa. In his younger years, Dave graduated from Washington High School in 1962 where he lettered in baseball and basketball and was named runner-up for Outstanding Senior Boy. Sports continued to be a passion for Dave throughout his life. He was named WHBC Softball Player of the Year in 1975 and was very involved with amateur basketball, softball and golf which led him to be inducted into the Stark County Softball Hall of Fame in 1998. Dave was also an avid and dedicated Massillon Tiger’s supporter and a season ticket holder for over 40 years. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Joyce; his daughters Lisa (Matt) Esberger and Kelly (Sean) Carpenter; and his granddaughter Sydney Esberger. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 24th from 6-8 p.m. at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s, 206 Cherry Rd NE, Massillon, OH 44646. Final resting place will be at Calvary Cemetery.