David Bryce Fenn, devoted husband, father, engineer, and lifelong sailor, passed away peacefully, May 5, 2026, at the age of 97.
Born on October 26, 1928, David lived a life defined by curiosity and quiet accomplishment. He graduated from the University of Rochester where he met his wife Virginia Ogden. Together they worked at NASA Lewis Research Center (now named Glenn). Virginia retired to raise their three children.
David continued his work with NASA at Lewis in Cleveland where he contributed to early advancements in jet engine and aerospace design during a formative era in American aviation.
Midway through his career, David transferred to Plum Brook Station near Sandusky, OH, where one of the nation’s largest vacuum chambers for deep space simulation was completing construction. He helped commission the new facility and then became Branch Head for an engineering group working on projects using the new facility.
Later, David worked within NASA’s wind energy program, where he was an early and steadfast advocate for three-bladed wind turbine designs, an approach that would ultimately become the industry standard.
Following Virginia’s untimely passing in 1974, David later married Elizabeth Ogden MacBeth. Elizabeth, who had been widowed and had raised three children in Vestal, New York, moved to Ohio, where she and David shared many years together.
At the age of 50, David chose early retirement, turning his focus to family, craftsmanship, and the water he loved. He expanded his cottage into a home on Johnson’s Island, complete with a second-floor sail loft where he made sails for racing boats. He is a past Commodore of Sandusky Sailing Club.
David was deeply committed to his community and faith. He served on several civic boards in his community. He was an active member of Huron Presbyterian Church, where he donated countless hours in service to the church and its congregation.
An avid woodworker, David spent many hours in his shop, happily building windmills and projects for his family, friends and neighbors. In his later years, David enjoyed walking around the island with his camera and capturing photos of the beautiful wildlife. He particularly loved eagles, great blue herons, and the annual appearance of the August lilies.
David was preceded in death by his first wife Virginia Ogden and his second wife Elizabeth Ogden. He is survived by his children, Nancy (Matthew) Buderer, Katherine (William) Thomas, and Tom (Marta) Fenn; and his stepchildren, Debbie (Jerry) Sullivan and Tom (Linda) MacBeth, and grandchildren, Chris, Brittany, Teresa, Bryce, Andy, Ian, and Nathan, and great grandchildren James, Amelia, Charlotte, Eleanor, and Hadley. He will be remembered for his intellect, integrity, craftsmanship, and the steady example he set for those who know him.
Funeral Services will begin at 11am on Friday, May 15, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church, 225 Williams St., Huron, OH 44839, where the family will receive friends beginning at 10am. Burial will be in Scott Union Cemetery, Huron, OH. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Huron in David Fenn’s memory.