David Lynn Battles
David Lynn Battles, age 72, of Concord Township, passed away peacefully after his courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease on the evening of Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at Arden Courts Memory Care, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Painesville, on June 15, 1952, David went on to marry the love of his life and best friend, Diana (nee Hietanen), on July 13, 1974.
A proud graduate of Berkshire High School, David finished among the top of his class in 1970. He attended Dyke College, beginning his career at Polen & Friel during his junior year, and graduated in 1973. He earned his CPA designation in 1976 and was named partner in the firm a year later, prompting its renaming to Polen, Friel & Battles. David served as a CPA for 41 years, retiring in July 2016.
His career path was greatly inspired by his high school accounting teacher, Ferd Thoma, whose influence left a lasting impact. David also proudly obtained his Series 7 license during his career.
David lived life with intention and joy. He deeply cherished spending time with his family and found great happiness in hobbies such as coaching, fishing, golfing, bowling, bicycling, traveling, playing cards — especially pinochle — and cheering on his favorite Cleveland sports teams.
Memorable trips with Diana to Hawaii, Alaska, the backroads bicycling trip, and the Mediterranean cruise, along with annual family vacations to Emerald Isle, were among his most treasured experiences.
A dedicated community member, David served as Rotary President in Chardon from 2005 to 2006, participated in Leadership Geauga and held numerous treasurer positions throughout the years. He also offered his financial expertise to his church and other organizations, becoming the trusted “numbers guy” wherever he served.
David will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 50 years, Diana (nee Hietanen); children, Ryan (Joy Pascua) Battles, Corey (Dana) Battles and Ashley (Kyle) Nyman; grandchildren, Nathaniel, Lucas, Zoey, Lillian, Olivia and Sophia; siblings, Cheryl (Steve) Greene, Stephen (Eileen) Battles, Tracy (Crystal) Layne and Eugene (Anne) Layne; mother-in-law, Dolores Hietanen; sister-in-law, Paula Hietanen; brothers-in-law, Murray (Sherill Kiely) Hietanen and Dave (Janet) Hietanen; as well as many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard D. Battles and Shirley J. Layne (nee Levak); and his father-in-law, W. Raymond Hietanen.
Calling hours will be held at Burr Funeral Home in Chardon on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
Celebration of Life will take place at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., Chardon, on Friday, May 2, at 10 a.m. Burial will follow at East Claridon Cemetery, Claridon Township.
The family suggests donations to Parkinson’s Boxing, c/o Geauga County Department on Aging, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Suite 200, Chardon, OH 44024.
Arrangements entrusted to Burr Funeral Home, 116 South St., Chardon, (440) 285-2182. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com.
