David R. Friend

David R. Friend, 82 of Ashtabula, Ohio died Saturday, December 26, 2020 in University Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio. He was born October 1, 1938 in Ashtabula, the son of Joseph C. and Thelma E. (Sweet) Friend and had been a lifelong Ashtabula resident.

A 1956 graduate of Edgewood High School, he attended Gannon University for one year majoring in pre-medicine. David was the owner-operator of Friend’s Auto Electric from 1965 to 1997. For many years he worked alongside his father and son in the business located on State Road in Ashtabula Township. Early in life, he was involved with the Ashtabula Jaycee’s, Ashtabula Township Volunteer Fire Department, Lion’s Club and was active in go-cart racing and drag racing motorcycles. After the passing of his first wife, Carol in 1991 he met and married Susan and enjoyed traveling, spending time working in his woodshop, riding his new zero-turn lawnmower, watching sports on TV and playing golf.

Surviving him is his wife Susan (Truesdell) Friend whom he married in 1993; a son Marc A. Friend (Gretchen) of Hilliard, Ohio; a daughter Debra (Scott Painter) Friend of North Kingsville; grandsons, Andrew Friend of Dublin, Ohio, Joseph Painter, North Kingsville, Ohio; step-grandson, Adam (Heather) Painter and great-granddaughter Hailee of North Kingsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, J. Robert Friend and first wife, Carol A. (Childs) Friend.

Graveside services will be held at a later date at Saybrook Cemetery, Saybrook, Ohio. The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory, 526 W. Prospect Rd. Ashtabula, Ohio is honored to serve the Friend family. Guest Book, light a candle and obituary at www.fleming-billman.com

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