Dave was born on Dec. 21, 1927 in Versailles, OH to the late Raymond “Frenchie” and Zita (Dapore) Magoto. He was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Jim “Chick” Swisher; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Dottie Magoto; brother, Tom Magoto Sr.; and sister, Julia Hiatt.
Dave is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Judy Magoto Versailles, and sister-in-law, Norma Magoto Greenville; and e is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was a son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, godfather, father figure and friend to many people.
Dave was a graduate of Versailles High School. Following graduation Dave was a pitcher with the Lima Reds’ minor league baseball team and a team mate of Joe Nuxhall. He served in the Air Force division of the US Army as an air traffic controller. After service he graduated from Barber College and became co-owner with Percy Grilliot of The Hotel Barbershop for over 50 years. The barbershop was a well-known center for town gossip where Dave handed out lots of Bazooka bubblegum to the kids and created original nicknames for many. Dave was a well-known follower of Versailles High School sports. He enjoyed his garden, trap shooting, golf, riding his bicycle around town and was an avid Reds fan. He was a lifetime member of St Denis Catholic Church in Versailles.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 14, with Rev. Fr. Jim Simons celebrant, at St. Denis Catholic Church. Interment will follow at St. Valbert Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Versailles Veteran’s Honor Guard.
To honor Dave’s wishes there will be no visitation. Bailey Zechar Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to State of the Heart Hospice of Greenville, OH. Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
