David Walter Pauly

David Walter Pauly, 85, of Vermilion, passed away on Monday, September 9, 2024, at Kingston of Vermilion under the care of New Life Hospice after a brief illness.

He was born on June 23, 1939, in Fairview Park, OH, and had been a resident of Vermilion for the past 62 years.

Dave graduated from North Olmsted High School and proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

His career spanned 42 years in the floral industry. Originally starting  Pauly's Florists in the early 1960s before moving on to manage Hall Gardens and Cleveland Plants Floral Warehouses. He retired in 2004.

He was a 50 year member of Grace United Methodist Church, a life member of AMVETS Post #22, an  active member  of the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA), and spent several years volunteering at Schoepfle Garden and the Salvation Army. Dave took great pride in raising and showing championship rabbits, fishing, reading, visiting casinos, cheering for local sports teams, and supporting the OSU Buckeyes, and all Cleveland Sports Teams. Above all, he cherished his role as a grandfather and loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

He is survived by his five children: Kathryn (Scott) Osborne, Stephanie (Jeff) Barton, Rebecca (Paul) Garrigan, David (Paula) Pauly, and Vera (Chris) Schaeffer; his 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Douglas (Elaine) Palmer and Bruce (Candy) Palmer; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart of over 70 years, Jeanne (nee Palmer) Pauly; his parents, Roger and Kathryn (nee Wagenknecht) Pauly; and his brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Caroline Pauly.

In accordance with David’s wishes, a private family service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s memory to Mercy New Life Hospice, 3500 Kolbe Road, Lorain, OH 44053; or Lorain County Metro Parks, c/o Public Information Officer, 12882 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, OH 44050.

Online condolences may be shared at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.