David "Dave" Shaun Irland

David Shaun Irland, 61, of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on April 9, 2024, after a courageous fight against pancreatic cancer. David, also known fondly as Mr. I, Dave I, or Captain Flash, was a beacon of light and laughter in this world. He was a beloved husband of 37 years to Andrea (Fowler) Irland, a cherished father to Shaun (Kyla Vasquez) and Elise (Alan Baldi) Irland, a loving son of Gwendolyn Joyce, and a dear brother of Bryan (Danielle) Irland. He was preceded in death by his father, David Lewis Irland, and in-laws, Marv and Carol Fowler.

Born on March 22, 1963, in Ashland, KY. His family moved around a lot in his early years, but this was formative in his ability to adapt and make friends everywhere he went, which he carried with him throughout his life.

David attended Stow High School, graduating in the class of 1981. He attended Kent State University for a few years and was inspired by a need for a mascot, so he created Captain Flash! He also met the love of his life there, Andrea, during happy hour. They married in 1986.

His first career was 20 years in sales and marketing. In a midlife career change Dave went for a degree in elementary education at the University of Akron, a journey that took eight years while balancing work and family responsibilities. He started teaching at Imagine School in Akron and then got his dream job at Brimfield Elementary teaching kindergarten. He eventually graduated to 3rd grade. Teaching was his true passion and he touched the lives of many students, parents, and colleagues. He was well known for always having a smile, making everyone feel special, wearing so many hats, and being a true positive influence in the community.

Family was Dave's greatest joy and he took immense pride in his children, Shaun and Elise. Andrea was his best friend, biggest advocate and devoted audience for his life performance. His impact on their lives will be everlasting. 

Our hearts go out to all who were touched by David's kindness and light and are grieving with us. He will be deeply missed and remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his passion for teaching, and his ability to bring joy to all those around him. Dave was the intersection of many circles in a huge Venn Diagram of friends and acquaintances - family, grade school, college, first career, church, cruising, swim team, second career, neighbors, student’s families and random strangers.

Many thanks to family and friends who have supported us through these difficult months. Special thanks to the care teams and doctors at the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Infusion Center in Bath and Floor 5400 in Akron.

Cremation has taken place and there will be no services at this time. Instead, a celebration of David's life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Dave Irland Scholarship Fund at Hometown Bank, P.O. Box 310, Kent, OH 44240 or through the Big Red Foundation for Field Local Schools at this link. For any donations made either by check or Venmo, please note it is for the Dave Irland Scholarship Fund.

Have a good laugh and hug someone you love today in memory of Dave.