David Haren Deselm

It should come as no surprise that the man known for making an entrance greeted this world with fireworks and left us all with tales and memories of his storied life after passing away August 20, 2025. David H. DeSelm, born on July 4, 1940 to Kirk and Helen DeSelm, immediately set out to making his presence known. Although his career in athletics began by dribbling around basketball courts for the Central Ohio League and Cambridge High School, he found a home at Kenyon College where he developed a love for racket sports–mastering a signature serve that would school generations at family ping-pong tournaments. Propelled by his calling to the court and successes in the classroom, he attended the University of Virginia School of Law before returning to Cambridge, Ohio. Here he built a life of "do-gooding" both professionally and personally with his life partner Connie DeSelm. Together the pair built, organized, and stewarded many local public centers and activities that supported the arts, kept the community active, and brought families together. These included Pritchard Laughlin Civic Center, YMCA, EOSAY, Indian Guides, swim teams, racket sporting events (naturally), and more. It is in this cherished community that he and his wife raised their three children Mike, Courtney, and Jenny DeSelm.

He is survived by his sister Nancy Schaub; his two daughters Dr. Courtney Flanigan of Key West and Mrs. Jennifer Royal of Martha's Vineyard; his beloved granddaughters Tyler Bonner, Savannah Flanigan, and Alex Royal; and cherished grandsons Shane Bonner, Jevon Bonner, and Brody Royal. He was preceded in death by his wife Connie Ankrom DeSelm and son Michael Kirk DeSelm.

This quick witted, handsome devil among men fell in love with Martha's Vineyard after a summer in college working at the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. He, his family, and his friends made many treks back to the Vineyard over the years. True to his fashion, Dave returned a final time to spend the last year of his life enjoying regular lobster rolls, bisque, bloody marys, and watching his youngest grandchildren grow up. You would find him at his happiest cheering them on at lacrosse, hockey, and field hockey games or watching archery in the back yard where you would certainly remark about a certain je ne sais quoi that seemed to pour from the man. If you did not catch him in the stands, you could be sure to find him at one of the local breakfast spots he frequented. His passion for breakfast and beginning the day with wisdom and a laugh started back at Bob Evans in Cambridge, Ohio and persisted to the end.

Dave loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his grandchildren and family. He was a fan of any and all games–often racing across Ohio to catch his grandchildren in action on the field or to join in for himself at the card table. In addition, he spent countless hours listening to his grandchildren play the violin, cello, and piano. He was selfless, patient, humble, and kind. He had an inner desire to do good things for others and put everyone before himself. It should go without saying, then, that when he claimed that the fireworks on the Fourth of July were in his honor, we believed him. He was certainly one of the greats.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those able to contribute donations of any value to initiatives that were close to Dave's heart. The Michael K. DeSelm Scholarship Fund and the Cambridge Area YMCA both provide critical services to our community and invest in its future:

For Michael K. DeSelm Scholarship Fund Donations:

Link: Https://www.mccf.org/Community-Foundation/Funds/Details/113/Michael-K-DeSelm-Scholarship

Contact for assistance with Michael K. DeSelm Scholarship donations:

Chris Lacy (740) 453-5192, ext. 105

For Cambridge Area YMCA Donations:

Link:

https://ymcacambridge.sgasoftware.com/Sales/Product/Guest?GuestID=2

Checks can be made payable to the following address:

Cambridge Area YMCA

1301 Clairmont Ave

Cambridge, OH 43725

Contact for assistance with YMCA donations:

Brittany Matthews (740) 432-4600