David “Dave” Lee Ujvari, 75, of Bucyrus, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 11, 2026. Dave was born on September 19, 1950, to the late Frank and Edna (Fannin) Ujvari.
Dave was a graduate of Willard High School, Class of 1969, and later graduated from Dayton Tool & Die. He went on to build a 35-year career with The Timken Company before retiring.
Dave was a dedicated husband to Gerri Ann, his loving wife of 53 years, and a devoted father to Nathan (Kisti) Ujvari and Holli (Kurt) Pfeifer. He was a proud grandfather to Maeci (Hunter Foote) and Nolyn Ujvari, and a loyal friend to many, including Linda Laipply, wife of his dear friend, Jerry Laipply. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Carol Howell, his brother-in-law, Bob VanBuskirk, and two brothers and a sister.
One of Dave’s greatest passions was coaching. He loved sports and especially enjoyed helping young athletes learn not only the game, but also the values of teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and commitment. Over the years, he coached softball for Crawford County, Wynford, and Buckeye Central. He also coached baseball at Wynford and Buckeye Central, as well as junior high basketball.
When he wasn’t coaching, Dave loved being outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, he found joy in fishing, coon hunting, gardening, and woodworking. Fishing and coon hunting gave him some of his happiest moments, and he especially cherished sharing those adventures with his late beloved friend, Jerry Laipply.
Dave was also a skilled “fixer.” There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. From cars and machines to plumbing and electrical work, if something was broken, Dave could usually figure out how to make it work again.
Above all, Dave cherished his role as a father and grandfather. He led by example, instilling core values in his children and granddaughters. He was especially proud of his granddaughters and loved cheering from the stands and watching them grow.
His kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for his family and friends will never be forgotten. The lives he touched through his family, friendships, work, coaching, and countless acts of kindness are a lasting part of his legacy. His advice was sought and valued by many, and his calm presence was a source of comfort to all who knew him.
Dave’s legacy is one of integrity, resilience, hard work, generosity, and love.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his nephew, Ronald Howell; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Harry and Joyce Frazee, and his sister-in-law, Karen Sue VanBuskirk.
In honor of Dave, memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church of North Robinson, the Colonel Crawford Dapper Cabin, or the Colonel Crawford Athletic Department.
Those wishing to share a memory of Dave or send condolences to the Ujvari family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service -Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., is honored to serve the family of David Lee Ujvari.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com