David H. Grupe

David H. Grupe passed away at Bethany Village in Centerville on November 5, 2025, at the age of 90.

David was born on June 25, 1935, in Schenectady, NY, to Everett and Evelyn Grupe. He spent his childhood in New Hartford, NY, graduating from New Hartford High School in 1953. David was proud to continue his education at the University of Michigan, where he joined the Navy ROTC, Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, and the Men’s Glee Club. There, he met, and later married, Meredith Hardy, his wife of nearly 30 years. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree at University of Michigan with the class of 1957, then served his country in the United States Navy and Reserve. He was awarded an honorable discharge as a Lieutenant and went on to earn his MBA at his alma mater in 1961.

David and Meredith had two sons, Kenneth and Eric. David’s career would take them to Dayton, Ohio, Washington D.C. and then to Buffalo, New York, eventually returning the family to Dayton where he worked as a manufacturer's agent/defense broker to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the automotive industry.

David enjoyed snow skiing and, in warmer months, sailing. He was a proud University of Michigan Alumni and cherished his time with the alumni camp on Walloon Lake near Petoskey, MI. He served as the President of the University of Michigan Alumni Dayton Chapter. He was also an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir. He followed his passion for singing and performing arts around the globe, travelling internationally to sing with members of the Westminster choir and with the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club. He was a long-time member of the Bach Society of Dayton, where he served on the board. David was also an involved grandfather, who will be deeply missed.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jo Anne Taylor.

David is survived by his two sons, Kenneth Grupe and Eric Grupe (Dair Arnold); grandchildren, Kara (Roger) Gehle, Kevin (Lauren) Grupe, Meredith Grupe, Hannah Grupe, and Emma Grupe; and great-grandchildren, Walter and Winston Gehle.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Bach Society of Dayton.