David John Burnett's Obituary
David John Burnett was born January 14, 1944, in Berea, Ohio, the son of Laurence and Frances Martin Burnett. He was raised on the family greenhouse and farm in Columbia Station and graduated from Columbia High School. He married Bruni Schneider, with whom he raised their three children.
Dave enjoyed a long career as a social studies teacher and coach, primarily at Northwood Junior High School in Elyria, as well as at schools in Avon, Strongsville, and Columbia Station. He completed bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history at Kent State University and pursued studies toward a doctorate at the University of Akron. Early in his career, he reported on local sports for The Chronicle-Telegram newspaper.
A tremendous provider and tireless worker, Dave painted houses during summer breaks for many years, and he delighted in participating in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was deeply committed to his Catholic faith, and he enjoyed running, gardening, caring for cats and other family pets, attending high school sporting events, bowling with fellow teachers, and volunteering for St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. A former race car driver in his youth, he avidly followed open-wheel racing, from sprint cars to Indy cars to Formula One.
Dave’s love of history—especially that of Medieval England and Civil War-era America—reached far beyond the classroom: He read countless books, visited battlefields and other historical sites across the U.S. and Great Britain, and was an active member of the Columbia and Berea historical societies.
In retirement, Dave and Bruni volunteered with the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio and were advocates for healthy living and animal rights. In recent years, Dave suffered from complications related to diabetes and dementia, and Bruni served as his full-time caregiver. He died December 29, 2023, two weeks prior to his 80th birthday. He is survived by his beloved wife; sons Erich (Ginger) and David (Margarita); grandchildren Anna (Dhanu), Ben, Julian, Jameson, Bella, Isabella, and Alma; and sister Dianne Burnett Palmer (Gary). He is reunited in death with his parents and with daughter Lauri Burnett Frashure (Tim Frashure), who died 18 days earlier.
Visitation 4-8 p.m. Thursday, January 4, at Jardine Funeral Home (15822 Pearl Rd. Strongsville); funeral Mass 11 a.m. Friday, January 5, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish (25801 Royalton Rd., Columbia Station). In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in support of the Second Harvest Food Bank, World Wildlife Fund, or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
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