David Alan Curlis

David Alan Curlis, affectionately known as “Pac” or “Paco” by many, of rural Sycamore passed away peacefully at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He passed on June 21, 2025, at the age of 75, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born February 22, 1950, in Tiffin, Ohio and was the son of Meric A. and Jeanne Curlis of rural Sycamore. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Suzanne M. Curlis (Arbogast), who he married on August 7, 1976; two daughters: Trisha (Tom) Sefakis & Adrienne “Addie” (Jack) Gordon, both of Cincinnati; four grandchildren: Harrison & Luke Sefakis and Hunter & Quentin Gordon; two brothers: Michael (Connie) of Sycamore & Thomas of Springfield; his mother Jeanne of Sycamore; sisters-in-law: Karen (Jim) Mars of North Fort Myers, FL;  Teresa (Rick) Burkett of Asheville, NC; and Laura (Randy) Brickner of Tiffin; brothers-in-law: Michael (Rosie) Arbogast of Tiffin; Gregory (Diane) Arbogast of Prosperity, South Carolina; Brett Arbogast of Tiffin; and Joe Gosche of New Riegel, as well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his father Meric; sister-in-law Deborah; father-in-law James Arbogast; mother-in-law Margery Arbogast; and sister-in-law Anita Gosche.

Dave graduated from Mohawk High School in 1968 and received a BSCE degree from Ohio Northern University in 1973 where he was an active member of Alpha Sigma Phi. He retired in 2007 after 35 successful years as a licensed professional engineer. He worked six years as a civil engineer for Finkbeiner, Pettis, and Strout in Toledo, and the last 29 years for National Electrical Carbon in Fostoria as a project engineer.

Dave was a devoted Tymochtee Township trustee for 18 years. He was also a member of the local Masonic lodge and a 32nd degree mason. He was a member of the local Sons of American Legion. He was of Protestant faith. He enjoyed “tinkering” in his shops, raising livestock, baling hay, cutting firewood, and restoring old tractors and farm machinery, as well as his 1956 Chevrolet truck. 

One of the great constants in Dave’s life was his annual fishing trips to McGregor Bay, Ontario, a tradition he never missed for 67 years. He spent summers there as a young boy with his parents, learning to fish, drive a boat, and navigate the waters. As he got older, he introduced this special place to his daughters, teaching them the same skills and routines. Eventually, his grandchildren joined the tradition. McGregor Bay became the backdrop to countless stories, running jokes, card games, fish tales, and shared time across three generations. 

Services will take place on Friday, August 1, 2025, at Walton-Moore Funeral Home in Sycamore, Ohio. The visitation will be 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM. There will be a Masonic ceremony at 1:45 PM leading into the service. A private family burial of ashes will take place at Pleasant Ridge cemetery and McGregor Bay.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Wyandot Memorial or “No One Fights Alone” in care of Walton-Moore Funeral Home, P.O. Box 350, Sycamore, Ohio 44882.

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