Robert "Bobby" Michael David

Robert (Bobby) Michael David, age 92, passed away surrounded by his loving family Sunday, August 25th, 2024. Bobby was born on December, 31st, 1931 in Massillon, Ohio to Lebanese Immigrants Joseph and Marie (Tobey) David. Bobby was the youngest of fourteen children in a devout Catholic family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings Tofic (Sally) David, Esser (Gene) David, Edmund (Iona) David, Isabelle (Ed) George, Elizabeth David, Thomas (Lou) David, John David, Josephine (Bill) Castora, Evelyn David, Paul David, Helen David, Raymond (Lois) David, and his twin brother Fr. Joseph (Dicky) David.

Growing up in Massillon, Bobby graduated from St. Joseph’s Grade School in 1947 and Washington High School in 1951. After high school he went on to work at Republic Steel before serving in the U.S. Army. When he returned home to Massillon, he worked at David’s Cigar Store. Shortly after, he first saw the love of his life Carolyn Lilley while she was working at Lieberman’s Bakery. He knew then and there that she would be the mother of his children. A few years later they married in 1959 and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. Bobby’s deep faith began in his childhood home on 3rd St. across from St. Joseph church and school. He and Carolyn even sang in the St. Joe’s choir for many years together. They shared a life full of faith, love, family and laughter.

His lifelong career began at Stark Records & Tape which later became Camelot Music.

Bobby was the Vice President of Warehouse Operations at Camelot where his people skills really shined. He ran a tight ship and earned the respect and love of his employees, coworkers, and vendors alike. He was also an advocate for hiring people with disabilities. His Camelot years were some of his fondest memories and those relationships have lasted a lifetime. During his retirement years, Bobby served on the boards of the Red Cross and St. John’s Villa.

Bobby was known as a “A Mover & Shaker.” He loved people and he had enough room in his heart for everyone. He was always first to show his concern for those in his community, regardless of whether he knew them or not. That’s just how his big heart worked. Bobby was a passionate Massillon Tiger Football fan and lifetime season ticket holder. No one was more proud to be from Massillon! Bobby loved 3 things: his family, being Lebanese, and the stock market. He enjoyed working in his garden, golfing, family time at the lake house, watching football especially his Cincinnati Bengals, and most of all bragging on all seven of his grandchildren.

Bobby is survived by his long-time love and wife, Carolyn, and their children: Robbie David, Christine (Alexander) Burlotos, Catherine (Jeffery) Welcsh, Susan (Kevin) Jolliff, and Laurie David, his grandchildren; Athanasios Burlotos, Christian Burlotos, David Welcsh, Eliana Burlotos, Jack Welcsh, Jacob Jolliff, and Avery Guenther, and his two sisters-in-law Carol David and Marci David.

Friends and family may pay respect on Thursday August 29, 2024 at Paquelet Funeral Home (1100 Wales Road NE Massillon) from 11:30am – 1:30pm. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 2:00pm at Divine Mercy Parish (St. Joseph’s Catholic Church – 322 3rd. St. SE Massillon). A celebration of life will follow at Glenmoor (4191 Glenmoor Rd. NW Canton). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bobby’s honor to St. John’s Villa or The Massillon Boys and Girls Club. Messages of condolences and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com