David Michael Brode's Obituary
David Michael Brode went to be with Jesus on February 13, 2026. He died peacefully in his sleep at his "happy place," at home in Venice, Florida. David was a committed follower of Jesus Christ and a member of Parkside Church. He was a graduate of Ravenna High School and then received his Bachelor's degree and Masters of Business Administration from Kent State University. He later graduated from Akron Law School. David served the children of Portage County with distinction for 34 years, first as a Magistrate in the Portage County Juvenile Court and then as an assistant Prosecuting Attorney. His positive influence on the legal system as an advocate for abused and neglected children will continue as part of his legacy and this mission will be carried out by his countless friends and loyal colleagues still working in the system.
David is survived by his loving wife, Tommie Jo, and his children Michael (Ally) Brode, Matt (Hollie) Brode, and Mattie Marsilio (fiancé Koushin Jacquet); and grandchildren Braxton, Collin, Parker, and Elise. He was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Russell and Sandra Brode, as well as his brother, Russ Brode. He is also survived by his sister, Kim (Bill) Hearn of Uniontown, PA as well as Linda (Bob) Corcoran of Mansfield, Dennis Brode of Dayton, Kathy (John) McHugh of Sandwich, IL, and Robert (Liz) Brode of Austintown. Other surviving family members includes nieces Kayla Overand, Christina Brode, Cassandra Brode, nephew Luke Paull, and many other nieces and nephews.
David loved to host friends and family in both Florida and Ohio. One of his favorite things to do was sharing sunsets with loved ones, especially on his boat. David never tried a water sport he did not like, including scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, parasailing, slalom skiing, and fishing to name a few. David and Tommie Jo loved being the "cruise directors" among their friends by planning dinners, hosting pool parties, sharing their Venice home, and always finding tickets to try something new with friends. (Dinners in igloos, Christmas shows, and musical events to name a few.) To meet David was to know his spirit of generosity and sharing. He often said how blessed he was and shared everything he had with the people he loved the most. He and Tommie Jo loved to visit warm places, including Hawaii, Aruba, Antigua, and lots of Florida beaches.
David's life was marked by service. In addition to his professional career, he was a youth sports coach, varsity coach, and had many volunteer roles in between. He loved baseball and basketball most of all and was always willing to give advice, coaching and encouragement about these sports. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren for any reason. One of his favorite past times was watching Michael officiate basketball.
David was a zealous patriot who loved his country and the Christian principles upon which it was built. He worked hard to accomplish the American dream and impact government consistent with his conservative ideals.
Friends may call from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, February 22 at Green Funeral Care, 4668 Pioneer Trail, Mantua. The funeral will be held at Parkside Church, 7100 Pettibone Road, Chagrin Falls, at 10:00 am on Monday with burial immediately following.
For anyone preferring to make a donation in lieu of flowers, Tommie Jo requests donations to David's two favorite non profit organizations: Truth for Life Ministries or Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?