David Randall Lipson, 60, of Cincinnati, passed away peacefully and comfortably, surrounded by his loving family, on August 27, 2026, following a courageous year-and-a-half battle with metastatic melanoma.
Born in Cincinnati on December 10, 1965, David was the son of the late Alvin (Gloria) Lipson and the late Sandra (Shapiro) Fuller. He was the devoted husband of Lesa (nee Marksberry) Lipson, loving father of Max and Molly Lipson, and caring brother of Lisa Khan and Miriam (Jacob) Hodesh. His family extended beyond those by blood, and he leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues whose lives were made better by knowing him.
David devoted his professional life to healthcare, with a particular passion for the elderly and for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Oxford in 1989, followed by a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Xavier University in 1991.
His career began while he was still a student, working in long-term care at Ambassador South Nursing Home and Arcadia Manor Nursing Home in Cincinnati, as well as Oxford View Nursing Home in Oxford. He worked with Deaconess Long-Term Care, helping establish a skilled nursing facility within the hospital, and served as a research assistant at the Alois Alzheimer’s Center in Cincinnati, where he worked with Dr. Susan Gilster, Ph.D. His early experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to improving the lives and care of those affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Following graduate school, David served as an Administrator in Training at Otterbein-Lebanon Community Hospital and later as Assistant Administrator at Burlington House Healthcare Center. In 1993, he became an owner and administrator of nursing facilities in the Cincinnati area, including Ambassador North Nursing Home, Elite Nursing Home, and Arcadia Manor Nursing Home.
David was known for taking on challenges others might have considered impossible. When he took over four financially struggling nursing homes, his determination and leadership helped turn the facilities around while preserving his focus on the people who mattered most—the residents and families entrusted to their care. His work throughout the years left a lasting mark on the field of long-term care and reflected his genuine compassion for the aging population.
His entrepreneurial spirit continued with the founding of Universal Distribution and Sales, a medical supply company. He served on the steering committee and corporate board for the development of a new Alzheimer’s Center at Matthews Hall, furthering his commitment to advancing care and understanding of dementia.
David believed strongly in giving back to his profession and community. He was a longtime member of the Ohio Health Care Association and the Southwest Ohio Health Care Association, where he held numerous leadership positions, including secretary, treasurer, and vice president during 19 years of service. He served on the Hamilton Township/Warren County Zoning Committee and was a proud member of the McMillan Lodge No. 141 and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, A.A.S.R., attaining the 32nd Degree.
For all of his professional accomplishments, David’s greatest pride was his family. He was a family man first and foremost. He worked tirelessly to give Max and Molly every opportunity to grow, learn, and build lives of their own. He treasured his relationships with family and friends and made a point of staying connected, whether they lived nearby or miles away. Those who knew David never had to wonder whether he cared; he made sure they knew they could count on him.
Curiosity was one of David’s defining qualities. He had a genuine desire to understand the world around him and enjoyed learning about current events and history, both close to home and across the globe. He was always learning, asking questions, and sharing what he discovered with the people around him.
Music brought David a particular kind of joy. He loved live music that could touch the soul and make a person truly feel something. His appreciation for music extended to playing guitar, a passion that allowed him to create some of that same feeling for himself and those around him.
David was a man of faith who found comfort and peace in knowing that G-d was always with him. When faced with his diagnosis, he met the reality of his illness with remarkable strength, acceptance, and grace. He understood that life would eventually come to an end, and he did not want those he loved to spend their days consumed by sadness. Instead, David would want his memory to be celebrated through the things he believed made life meaningful: listening to good music, eating good food, traveling, gathering with family and friends, making memories, and simply enjoying life to its fullest.
David was a devoted husband, a loving father, a caring brother, a loyal friend, and a man who spent his life making a difference in the lives of others. To his family, he was the best husband, the best father, and the best man they could have ever wished for.
Funeral services were held on August 31 at Weil Kahn Funeral Home. Shiva was observed followed by minyan at Isaac M. Wise Temple.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Israeli Children’s Cancer Fund.
He will be missed every day, but the love he gave, the lessons he taught, the friendships he treasured, and the countless lives he touched will remain a part of his family and community for generations to come.
