David P. Kiska's Obituary
David Paul Kiska, a lifelong resident of Lorain, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, September 2, 2022, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 3, 1932 to Paul and Mary (nee Brezina) Kiska.
He belonged to Holy Trinity Catholic Church where he served as an Altar Boy as a youth. He was a graduate from St. Mary’s High School in Lorain where he excelled as an all-around athlete. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Army in 1952 where he served as a Tank Commander. He fought in the Korean War and participated in the pivotal Battle of Outpost Harry where he and many other brave American soldiers, who were greatly outnumbered, fought heroically against invading forces. His unit was honored for its valor. David was honorably discharged on March 13, 1954 at the rank of Corporal. He was the recipient of the Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
Upon his release from the Army David met the love of his life, Donna Marie Catalano of Lorain, who he described as his best friend. They married at the original St. Peter’s Church in Lorain and renewed their 25th wedding vows in the current St. Peter’s Church on Oberlin Avenue in Lorain. Donna passed away in 1985 from cancer at age 47.
David worked at various occupations, starting at the old Thew Shovel Company, and ending his working life as a Service Officer for Lorain County Veteran Services from where he retired in 2002. He took great pride in his work with veterans and did all he could to help them not only in securing proper paperwork for benefits but also by creating personal friendships. He was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the AMVETS Post 47, and the American Legion.
David is survived by his four children, Mary K. Harkacz (Myron), Kelly A. Couts (Jerry), Nancy M. Kiska (Wayne DeWald), and Paul D. Kiska (Angela), and grandchildren David Harkacz, Emily Couts, and Olivia Kiska. He is also survived by his sister, Joanne Vance (Trian) of Newark, Ohio, nieces, a nephew, and many loving cousins. He was preceded in death by parents Paul and Mary Kiska (Brezina).
David made many friends over the years and will be missed by his golf buddies and Amvets Post 47 veterans.
The family would like to thank Dr. Ronald C. Carissimi, Mercy Health Lorain Palliative Care, and Mercy New Life Hospice for the exceptional care and compassion that was shown to David. Also, a prayerful thank you to Father Michael Petkosek of St. Albert the Great Church in North Royalton
Family and friends will be received on Thursday, September 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. in the Dovin and Reber Jones Funeral & Cremation Center, 1110 Cooper Foster Park Road, Amherst. Closing prayers will be at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral center followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 noon, at the Church of St. Peter, 3655 Oberlin Ave., Lorain. Rev. Father Michael Petkosek will officiate. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?