David Richard "Steamer" Sudetic

AUSTINTOWN - David Richard Sudetic, 64, passed away peacefully Thursday afternoon, July 7, 2016, at his home with his family by his side.

David, who was known to many as “Steamer,” was born March 30, 1952, in Youngstown, a son of the late Louis Richard and Mary Pat Tomaskovich Sudetic, and was a lifelong Austintown resident. 

He was a 1970 graduate of Austintown Fitch High School and worked for 20 years as a truck driver for Pitt-Ohio Express. Dave also worked for Schwebel’s Bakery and as a construction worker.

Mr. Sudetic was a member of St. Joseph Church in Austintown.

Dave was a motorcycle and muscle car enthusiast, and he was a drag racer at various speedways and drag strips in the area. He was a big fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Ohio State Buckeyes, and he thoroughly enjoyed watching the Cleveland Cavaliers win their first NBA championship. 

He also enjoyed cooking, supporting the Austintown Fitch Falcons, and he was an animal lover who was especially fond of his cats. Steamer enjoyed spending time with his family in El Paso, Texas, and he was an avid supporter of the United States Armed Forces.

Dave is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Katherine Haney Sudetic, whom he married Nov. 3, 1979; two sons, Brian Richard (Sophia) Sudetic and Thomas Patrick Sudetic, each of El Paso; three grandchildren, Elliot, Brian Richard Jr., and Gina; many loving nieces and nephews, including his nephew and godson, Justin Sudetic of Youngstown; a sister, Darlene Sudetic of Youngstown; a sister-in-law, Debbie (Flip) Sammon of Boardman; and a brother-in-law, Joseph (Deborah) Haney of New Castle, Pa.

A sister, Denise Sudetic, preceded him in death.

Family and friends gather from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 13, 2016, at St. Joseph Church, 4545 New Road, Austintown, where a Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 North Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Mr. Sudetic’s family sends heartfelt thanks to the staff and nurses with Hospice of the Valley for the kindness shown and care given to Dave and his family during his illness.

Dave’s family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution do so by donating to the funeral home to help with final expenses.