David A. Korpinen
David A. Korpinen, age 80, of Cape Coral, Florida passed away peacefully on May 21, 2022 with family at his side.
Born November 23, 1941 in Painesville, OH. David was the son of Oscar and Elsie Korpinen and grew up in Fairport Harbor, Ohio before moving to Florida.
A 1959 graduate of Fairport Harding High School, Dave was an outstanding all-around athlete, excelling in track, basketball and especially baseball as a pitcher and shortstop. He shared his father’s and brother’s (Ken) love of bowling, becoming an outstanding bowler.
After graduating and then serving in the United States Army, Dave became a police officer for the Painesville Police Department where he served alongside his brother, Kenneth Korpinen. At the age of 26, he suffered a broken neck in a swimming accident that rendered him a quadriplegic.
David accepted the challenge of being confined to a wheelchair and his amazing strength, positive attitude, determination, and courage enabled him to not only survive but also to live a full and fulfilling life for the next 54 years. He was one of the longest living quadriplegics in the country. He never let his disability become an excuse. After his accident, he went on to earn his Real Estate license. Eventually, he returned to his love of bowling and made it an important part of his life. After teaching his former wife to bowl, they traveled the country on the professional bowling circuit. Afterwards, they managed a bowling shop and Dave began giving bowling lessons, an activity he continued for the rest of his life. He coached several students to Junior Championships.
Handsome and quick-witted, personable and a sharp dresser with a great sense of humor, Dave loved life and loved being around people. Even after his accident, he enjoyed an active social life and often went out dancing. He had a heart full of love, both for people and animals, raising many rescue dogs. Most of all, Dave loved his family with all his heart.
Dave was preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Elsie Korpinen, brother, Kenneth Korpinen (Geraldine, deceased), sister, Doris Butterfield (Jack, deceased), niece, Jennifer Korpinen and grandnephew, Marc Wagner.
He is survived by sisters, Joyce Wilson (Howard, deceased), Bonnie Cusick (Jack, deceased), Nancy Urbanski (Robert), thirteen nieces and nephews, many grandnieces and grandnephews along with his wonderful and much-loved Florida friends and neighbors.
The service will be held in the Chapel at Mentor United Methodist Church (8600 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH) on September 10, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. followed by a Celebration of Life Luncheon. Dave will be buried at the Riverside Cemetery in Painesville, Ohio near his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made to Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, Ravenna, Ohio. https://happytrailsfarm.org