Conneaut – David L. Olmstead, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.
David was born on November 14, 1929, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of Merle Nelson Olmstead and Annie (Cauthard) Olmstead-Flagella. He attended West Springfield Schools until enlisting in the United States Army, where he served honorably in Alaska. Following his discharge, David began a long career in the die-casting industry, working for Conneaut Die Casting for 20 years before retiring from PHB Die Casting after another 20 years of dedicated service.
On October 4, 1952, David married the love of his life, Clara I. Brubach, at the East Springfield Federated Church. Together they built a warm, welcoming home and a lifetime of cherished memories.
A talented guitarist and singer, David was a proud member of several musical groups over the years, including the Jim Fedor Band and Joan and the Hoe Down Band. He was also a longtime member of the West Springfield VFW Post #4965, the Conneaut Moose Lodge #472, where he was a 50-year member, and the American Legion Cowle Post #151, and past member of the Monroe Athletic Club where he enjoyed camaraderie and community.
David found great joy in music, the outdoors, and working around his home with Clara — always keeping everything meticulous. Family was the center of his life. He was a devoted presence at the sporting events of his granddaughters, Jessica and Marissa, checked in daily with Kyle for the latest weather report, and shared endless love with his great-grandchildren. His steady kindness, gentle humor, and unwavering support will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
David is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Clara Olmstead; children, Michael (Becky) Olmstead, Linda (Kamal) Khachi; grandchildren, Jessica Olmstead, Kyle Olmstead, and Marissa (Michael) Liposchak; great-grandchildren, Noah and Liam; siblings, Harold (Margit) Olmstead, Joyce (Donald) Klimek, Judy (James) Klimek, Janice (John) Wojsiat, Hal (Judy) Olmstead, and Howard (Betty) Olmstead; and several nieces, nephews, and extending family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie and Nicholas Flagella and Merle and Doris Olmstead; and his siblings, Arthur in infancy, Thomas Olmstead and Blanche Lane.
Calling hours will be held, Monday, December 8, 2025 from 11:00AM until 1:00PM at the Thompson-Smith-Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut, where a service will follow at 1:00 PM with Pastor Bob Klingler, officiating. Burial will follow at East Springfield Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted by the American Legion Post #151.
Memorials in his memory may be given to the American Legion Cowle Post #151, 272 Broad St., Conneaut.
Online guestbook may be viewed at www.thompsonsmithnesbitt.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.
Conneaut – David L. Olmstead, 96, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Nursing Home.
David was born on November 14, 1929, in Erie, Pennsylvania, the son of Merle Nelson Olmstead and Annie (Cauthard) Olmstead-Flagella. He attended West Springfield Schools until enlisting in the United Sta