David L. Heery

David Lee Heery began his life in this world on April 1, 1949-April Fools' Day. Indeed, he lived his life with a great sense of humor, surpassed only by his gentle kindness and astute thoughtfulness.

Born to Ralph and Elma Heery, in Buffalo, New York, David loved his name as a child, with its meaning of "Beloved," and its resonance with his favorite childhood show "Davy Crockett." After three miscarriages, his mom called him her "miracle child," followed by his younger siblings Steve and Linda. They moved to Cincinnati when David was just a toddler and when his father began his medical career as an OBGYN.

After graduating from Woodward High School, David earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1971 and later, in 1981, his Master of Education degree from Xavier University and a certificate as a Reading Specialist.

He taught junior and high school science at Norwood, Winton Woods, and West Clermont schools, with focuses in chemistry, biology, and the physical and earth sciences, such as astronomy, ecology, and geology.

David met his wife Marberta on a Cincinnati Ski Club trip, and they were married August 15, 1981. Their son Patrick was born in 1984, and their daughter Megan was born in 1988. David was also an uncle to Chris Heery, Becky Heery Soydas, and Spencer Hobson, and later father-in-law to Romar Roberson and Jenna Wissink Heery. Other dear family include brother-in-law Richard Hobson, sister-in-law Carolyn Heery, Ugor Soydas, and Susan, Bill, and Edward Schirmer.

They lived in Golf Manor from 1981 until they moved to Mt. Washington in 1992 where they resided for the rest of their lives.

David's grandchildren were his world. He was Grandpa to Riley and Maya; Papa to Emerson and Josephine; and Great Uncle to Sophia. We hope he is cuddling this very moment his two grandchildren in heaven, Ezra and Leo.

David was raised Baptist, with a Quaker mother, but joined Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church when he married Marberta. He has been a devoted member ever since, and used to help with Super Wednesday, teaching children fun science projects like making slime. Even through the pandemic, he worshiped online faithfully every Sunday, often worshiping twice, first joining the services of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Auburn, New York, where his son Patrick was the pastor.

After retiring from teaching, David enjoyed his time with family, traveling with his wife, reading lots and lots of books, watching the news and old movies, and caring for his backyard menagerie of birds, squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and occasional deer and raccoon.

He enjoyed tennis, skiing, boating, fishing, golf, and the outdoors. He was a leader with the Boy Scouts of America, cared deeply about politics, and was an advocate of public education and social justice. He and Marberta were longtime members of the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, the Art Museum, the Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Cincinnati Zoo.

Growing up with dyslexia and other learning disorders as a child at a time when there were few special education resources, David credited several teachers and his mother for helping him learn to read and discover his lifelong passion for learning. The boy who once could not read went on to become a reading specialist and a passionate teacher of science. 

Above all, David loved his family, and they loved-and will always love-him. His unexpected loss will be forever mourned. 

Service at Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church, 6474 Beechmont Ave. on Monday, July 15, at 11am. Friends may visit at the church on Monday from 10-11am.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church

6474 Beechmont Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45230

mwpc-church.org (513) 231-2650

Or

Esophageal Cancer Awareness

P.O. Box 55071 #15530, Boston, MA 02205

ECAware.org