David J. Festi

David J. Festi, 51, of Dover passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Akron General Hospital following a courageous battle following a car accident.


Dave was born in Dover on May 18, 1970. He was the son of Ralph and Marie (Harig) Festi of Dover.


He graduated from Dover High School with the class of 1988. He continued his education at Kent State Tuscarawas with an Environmental Degree. He worked for many years at the Tuscarawas County Water Plant, Bolivar Water Plant, and was currently working as the Superintendent of the Village of Baltic Water Plant.


On September 21, 2002, he married the absolute love of his life, Michelle Hodkinson. Together they had two beautiful children, Jenna Dawn Festi and Michael Rafaele Festi, whom he absolutely adored. His children and family were always his number one priority.


Dave will be remembered for his quick wit. He loved to play practical jokes on his friends and family. He enjoyed music, computers, bonfires and especially loved riding his motorcycle. Jenna will always remember her and her dad's special trips on his bike to get slushies and Reese Cups. Dave was very involved in Boy Scouts, being the Troop 86 Master for many years. He was proud to have made it to Eagle Rank. Dave gave 100% in everything that he did and always enjoyed simple things in life.


In addition to Michelle, his mother, and children; he leaves behind his brothers, Michael Festi, Donnie (Karen) Festi; mother-in-law, Julie Adams; his special niece, Autumn Hodkinson, whom he treated like his own; sisters-in-law, Crystal Hodkinson, Angela Hodkinson, and Lynn Kennedy; brother-in-law, David Hodkinson; Michelle’s Grandmother, Arlene Evans; several nieces and nephews, cousins, and very close friends.


He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph; brother, Ralph Festi; and his brother-in-law, Steven Hodkinson.


On Thursday, August 5, 2021, friends and family are invited to visit at the First Baptist Church in New Philadelphia from 1-3 pm and from 5-7 pm. A celebration of his life will take place at the church on Friday, August 6, 2021, at 11:00 am with Pastor Todd Gopp officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery in Dover. The Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover are handling the arrangements. To sign an online guestbook for Dave, visit the obituary link on the funeral home’s website by visiting www.tolandherzig.com.


In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions can be made to the SSB Bank, David Festi Memorial Fund, 152 N Wooster Ave, Strasburg, OH 44680 for his children, or to help Michelle with Dave’s final expenses, you can donate through the "Donate" link on the funeral home’s website.