Danridge D. Giltz

While the following will be published as an obituary for Danridge (Dan) Giltz, who passed away at the age of 80 on February 6, 2024, that would denote finality. Rather, this is a love story, and love never really ends.

Danridge David Giltz was born on June 10, 1943 in Massillon, Ohio to Jean and Chester Giltz and welcomed by his devoted brothers, Chetty and Harry, who would be among his closest and most cherished friends for life. His little sister, Francey, joined them later and always brought humor, wit, grace and feminine common sense to a brood of lively Giltz boys. Their bond as siblings was remarkable and enviable. Even through life’s vagaries over time and space, they always gravitated to each other, often including a friendly (read: “Giltz competition” friendly) golf outing or boat ride.

While a Massillon Tiger born and bred, Dan went to University School in Cleveland for high school, graduating in 1962, where he played football, golf and most importantly wrestled. Wrestling was not just a sport but the source of some of his most enduring friendships that lasted a lifetime and the foundation of his gritty work ethic. He was a consummate athlete and served as the wrestling captain. He went on to wrestle in college, graduating from Thiel College in Pennsylvania before continuing to the New York School of Finance. Watching both his sons wrestle and golf competitively later in life was a source of great pride. He was a life coach to all his kids, knowing when to push harder and when just to watch and praise.

While on summer break from University School in 1960, Dan took a summer job with the family company of one of his classmates. As fate had it, the summer job at Davey Tree in Kent, Ohio, introduced him to Miss Cecil Davey, who, in 1970, became his devoted and loving wife of over 50 years. After marrying, they departed on a westward adventure to Colorado that lasted over 13 years.

While in Colorado, Dan served as the City Manager of Rangley on the western slope before settling in Nederland, where his four children were born. He built their home with his own hands in an idyllic, alpine setting at 8,000 feet, overlooking the Continental Divide. He took great pride in telling his kids how he would carry them all together at once on his hips, shoulders and in his arms to the top of the Twin Sisters dome.

A desire to be close to family required a move back to Ohio in the early 1980s. He was an avid and competitive golfer at Twin Lakes Country Club, and, later in life, enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends at the Elks. Until the very end, he continued to work with his brother and nephews at Giltz and Associates. It would be an understatement to say that he looked forward to going to the office.

Dan leaves behind his four beloved children, Preble, Stoner, Diantha and Danridge Jr. (His faithful dog, Otto, is often referred to as his favorite child, but he was adamant that he never played favorites.) Every call and visit always ended with a “love ya”. He leaves a legacy of love and compassion for both people and animals, the ability to listen in confidence, a respect for true sportsmanship, critical thinking and debating skills, and culinary expertise for roasting hot peppers and pickling just about anything. He had a longstanding love of nature and said that was where he felt closest to God. (Ironically or not, golf courses were always in nature!)

In a wedding toast, he once said that the secret to good relationships was the ability to forgive (and forget) and the ability to find humor. No one found more humor in Dan than his wife, Cecil. His dry wit, charming repartées, and timeless references to good times, good places and good friends that they shared kept their marriage alive. When Cecil got the rare first word, he knew he had married his match. He knew how to add a well-timed “touchée” that she never failed to resist. She loved his smile and the twinkle in his eye that led to the soul she had fallen in love with so many years before.

His last words were fittingly “thank you.” His family also wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous care he received from both his medical team, friends and neighbors, all of whom consistently exhibited the utmost dignity, concern and compassion in his most vulnerable moments.

His memory will be cherished by his brother, Harry Giltz (Sandy) and sister, Francey Wells (Randy). He was preceded in death by his brother Chet and infant brother Christopher. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Carol Giltz (Chet) and many nieces and nephews, all of whom brought him much joy and comfort.

His love story and legacy will be continued by his wife, Cecil, children, Preble (Robert), Stoner (Alex), Diantha and Danridge Jr. (Rachel). His six grandchildren, who called him “GP”, Cecile, Helene, Flora, Remy, Colette and Tripp, were his genuine pride and joy. (His faithful canine companion, Otto, is still guarding his favorite chair.)

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00AM at Kent United Church of Christ, 1400 E. Main St. Kent, OH 44240, with the Rev. Amy Gopp officiating.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.