Obituary of David Joseph Schroff

It is with the heaviest of hearts that we say goodbye to David Joseph Schroff, son of Raymond and Eleanor Schroff. He was taken from us far too soon by Covid on the night of Saturday November 20, 2021 at the age of 74. He is survived by his children David Schroff (Victoria), Kirsten Dawson, Stephen Dias; grandchildren Samantha, Stephen, Michael, Natalie; his longtime companion Jessica Ann Valenzuela; his nieces Kerry Gannon (Michael), Kimberly Lowry, his siblings Raymond Schroff (Nancesca), Anne King, Larry Schroff (Kay Clark), Clare Lowry (Tim), Mary Schroff, Michael Schroff (Lisa Maher.) To his siblings and their partners, his love Jessica Ann, and his many friends he was known simply as “Dave.” To his children, their partners, his nieces and grandchildren he was Grandpa Dave or Jaboni Bone-Head “Bone” for short. Dave was born in Chicago on May 13, 1947 but after his family made the move to Arizona on December 14, 1951 he became a true Tucsonan, living out the rest of his life in the city that he loved. Dave attended St. Ambrose Elementary School and Graduated from Salpointe Catholic High School in 1965 where he was active on the football and track teams. Rumor has it that he gave the nuns quite a run for their money as the same stubborn streak that kept friends and family pulling their hair out his entire life was on full display in Catholic school. Three years after graduation Dave embarked upon what would become a fulfilling lifelong career as an electrician and was known throughout Tucson as a likeable, dependable guy who could talk to anyone and wire anything. His generosity was the stuff of legend as it was not unusual for him to give away his last $50 and it is clear that his parents, who lived their lives in service to others, passed those genes along to their children as he and all of his siblings have always made it a priority to give back as well. In fact, Dave spent many years with family and friends making holiday dinner every Thanksgiving for the homeless people of Tucson. While material things were never that important to Grandpa Dave, he placed a great deal of value on family, friends, laughter, and eating out. His kids would tease him relentlessly about the napkin bib you could always find tucked into his shirt no matter how nice the restaurant, but he loved the teasing and would give as good as he would get. This was the Grandpa Dave charm. Kids could sense that he was one of them and that he was just as full of fun as they were which is part of what made all those countless hours riding ATV’s at the dunes or summers at the lake so magical. It just won’t be the same without your fruit salad, turkey tacos, colorful stories and, of course, that signature napkin bib. Rest in Peace Bone, we love you!