David Leroy Paul

David Leroy Paul, age 47, died unexpectedly and suddenly at Fairfield Medical Center on July 12, 2020. He was born August 8, 1972 in Melbourne, Florida to mother Joyce Mazzella and father David Paul.

David was raised in Melbourne, Florida where he attended Melbourne High School. David made friends easily and was involved in many community gatherings in Lancaster. His live revolved around his Grandparents who instilled the qualities he showed in our community until passing. His hobbies were fishing, cars, music, dancing, friends, animals, and at the end of his life his passion was helping with the restoration and the re-opening of the Downtown Bistro Restaurant and Hotel Lancaster. David wanted to provide all the history of the land, past businesses, owners and everyone involved with the property of where the restaurant/hotel stood since the late 1800s. He worked on it tirelessly for hours to show everybody who walked in the door how important this building was to our historic downtown and this value of this unique structure.

David put pride in everything he did including his own small business Charley’s Auto Detailing. His customers and clients loved how he was a perfectionist for detail. His grandfather used to call him “Charlie Brown” so in honor David used that name as a legacy for his business.

David was a friend to all and quoting comments from his social media page “we are shocked and saddened at the loss of our dear friend, he truly had a kind heart. He always made everyone feel like they were special. Gone too soon fly with the Angels my beautiful friend.”

The heartbreak of his loss is unimaginable. This city loved David. He can never be replaced but we will always honor his memory and keep him in our hearts.

David was active with the organization Destination Downtown Lancaster. He worked with the Fairfield County Heritage Foundation and the Ohio Glass Museum while planning tributes and advertising for both in the restaurant/hotel lobby.

David was also active with Lancaster Ohio Pride and always contributed to every event in our downtown community. He is missed.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Joyce Mazzella; father, David Paul; grandfather and grandmother, Leroy and Ginny Kessinger; uncles, Ray Kessinger, Roy Kessinger, and Robert Wharton.

David is missed by many special people in his life, sister, Tara Wolstenholme of Malabar, Florida; aunt, Pam Wharton Woodgeard and uncle Jerry Woodgeard of Lancaster; special friend, Justin King and fur baby Maci; work associate and friend, Jared Quincel; mentor/friend, Janet Muralt; friend/employer, Tom Fortin of Columbus, Ohio; uncle, Roger (Ellen) Kessinger; step-father, Chuck Mazzella; niece, Hanna Wharton; nephew, Nathan Wolstenholme; and many other family members and friends.

Caring Cremation has taken Place by the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Celebration of Life will be considered on his birthday, August 8, 2021 at the Downtown Bistro Restaurant/Hotel Lancaster.

A Memorial tree will be planted in his name in the downtown area around the restaurant.

A David L. Paul Memorial Fund has been set up. Donations can be made in his name to Pam Wharton Woodgeard, 114 Luther Ln., Lancaster, Ohio or to the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home, 405 N. Columbus St., Lancaster, Ohio, 43130.

To make an online condolence, and sign the guestbook, please visit www.funeralhome.com.