David H. Stuart 1952-2025

He was born David Howard Slutsky on Dec. 4, 1952, in New Castle, Pa., son of Frances Raven (originally of Youngstown) and Alan Slutsky. He grew up in New Castle and Canton and graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in history.

David lived in many places over the years, including Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland and Toledo, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Charleston, South Carolina; Los Angeles and Modesto, California; and Pittsburgh, Pa.

Wherever he lived, he brought with him a deep curiosity about the world, a passion for military history, and a lifelong love of music. He was an avid drummer, a Civil War buff and someone who found great meaning in visiting war museums, historic battlefields and veterans whom he admired and enjoyed talking with. He also had a fondness for all things related to World War I and collected numerous rare Civil War artifacts.

A devoted baseball fan, David especially loved the Pittsburgh Pirates and took great joy in visiting major- and minor-league ballparks across the country.

David also took significant pride in his rich Russian-Jewish-Yiddish heritage, upbringing and participation in religious ritual.

David worked for many years in advertising as a creative director, where his talent, wit and spirited personality left a lasting mark on colleagues who, despite often noting that at times he could be a challenge to work with, loved him just the same. He had a sonorous voice, won debate and speech competitions, and also did voiceover work.

David was unapologetically himself. He did things his own way, stood up for what he believed in, and lived with a sense of independence that those close to him found both at times cantankerous and endearing. His friends fondly described him as “charmingly defiant,” a description that captured him perfectly.

David’s greatest devotion in life, however, was to his family. He shared an especially deep bond with his mother, Frances, and his younger brother, Marc.

After spending 20 years in Los Angeles, he chose to relocate back to Pennsylvania to be closer to Marc, who was developmentally delayed from birth and was unusually fond and appreciative of his big brother. David visited him often, helped care for him and remained steadfastly committed to his well-being. His loyalty, protective nature, and quiet acts of support were a profound expression of his love. David painstakingly and lovingly managed Marc’s financial affairs and carefully oversaw the services he received.

David was the author of “Jane at the Fair,” a work of fiction blending his love of history with storytelling, chronicling Calamity Jane and the assassination of President William McKinley at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition. He also authored several screenplays and an unpublished memoir.

David generously supported numerous charitable organizations, including the Fairhaven Foundation, Heritage Manor Home for the Aged in Youngstown, the William McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, the National Fragile X Foundation, Alzheimer’s Foundation, cancer research, Pittsburgh’s Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, the ACLU, B’nai Brith and the Anti-Defamation League.

He is survived by his younger brother, Marc Slutsky of Warren; cousins, Jerry Winter of Tucson, Arizona, Gary Winter of San Francisco, California, and Sandee Raven of Los Angeles; his lifelong close friend, Neal Samuels of Pittsburgh, Pa., and his wife, Dr. Debbie Weiner; relatives of his father in the Detroit area; and numerous friends across the United States.

A graveside funeral service will take place 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, at El Emeth Emanuel Cemetery, 55 Struthers-Liberty Road, Youngstown, OH 44505. A gathering afterward will be announced at the service.

Professional arrangements are being handled by Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home. Friends and family may view this obituary and share memories and condolences at www.shriverallisoncourtleyfuneralhome.com.

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