David Sarros

David Sarros, a man whose heart was even larger than his towering 6-foot-7 frame, passed away on February 5, 2025, in Burr Ridge, Illinois, at the age of 60, following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. Born in May 1964 in Schererville, Indiana, David never let a day pass without love, laughter, and at least one Snickers bar—fuel for the boundless generosity he poured into the world.

David was impossible to miss, but not just because of his height. He was a force—gentle yet mighty, kind yet unwavering, a presence that made life easier, funnier, immeasurably better. His legendary humor could turn even the heaviest hearts light, and his laughter, deep and full of mischief, had the warmth to melt any sorrow.

For 34 years, he was the devoted husband of Melanie (née Andrews), his high school sweetheart and the love of his life. Theirs was a marriage built on deep affection, quiet glances that spoke volumes, and an unspoken agreement that no sport, no matter how obscure, was unworthy of their time. Together, they raised five remarkable children—Andrew David (Dana), Lily Noelle, Noah Christopher, Owen Michael, and Nina Simone. If love could be measured in miles driven, David would have been the undisputed champion, crisscrossing highways and state lines to attend every one of his children’s games, matches, and meets—no matter how early, how far, or how questionable the referee calls.

A Purdue graduate, David spent his career managing restaurants across Indiana and Illinois, though his true work was in the way he cared for others. He was the man who never hesitated to help—a stranger stranded on the side of the road, a friend in need of a shoulder, a child stuck on a math problem at the kitchen table. If something was broken, David would fix it. And if it couldn’t be fixed, he’d sit with you in the wreckage until the world made sense again.

Sports were his passion, basketball his first love though he had room in his heart for any game that brought his children joy. He could debate stats with the best of them, call a play before it happened, and critique a referee with a pointed wit that somehow always stayed just shy of unsportsmanlike. But in all things, David taught those around him that kindness mattered more than victory, that the best lessons in life came not from the scoreboard, but from the way you played the game. Whether coaching or cheering from the sidelines, his support was unwavering.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Melanie; his five cherished children; and the newest joy in his life, his granddaughter, Lyra Violet. He also leaves behind his siblings Linda, Polly, Barbara, Steve, Nick, and Mark, as well as a large and loving family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who became family along the way. He was predeceased by his parents, Marlene and George Sarros, whom he no doubt greeted on the other side with one of his famous bear hugs.

David’s absence is an ache that will never fully fade, but the love he gave—steady, strong, unconditional—will continue to ripple through the lives of everyone lucky enough to have known him. The best way to honor him? Show up for the people you love. And remember to enjoy an Oreo in his honor.

A visitation will be held on Sunday February 16, 2025 from 3pm to 8pm at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home, 7000 S Madison St, Willowbrook, IL 60527. Family and friends will meet at 10am on Monday February 17, 2025 at St Isaac Jogues Church, 4th and Clay St, Hinsdale, IL 60521.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you perform an act of kindness in his memory—because if David taught us anything, it’s that the world could always use a little more of that. Donations in his honor can also be made to Brain Up, an organization striving to give other glioblastoma patients more time with loved ones.

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