David Brumagin was larger than life—both in personality and presence. He was known for his signature wild plaid suits, worn intentionally to be playful, and his booming, joyful laugh, which echoed through the halls of Barberton High School. Despite being colorblind, he embraced bold fashion and always found a way to bring humor into every situation.
David Brumagin was a beloved teacher, community leader, and storyteller who left a lasting impact on Barberton. Born on June 23, 1933, he attended Boston Nazarene College and initially pursued preaching, following in the footsteps of his mother, Reverend Dorothy Brumagin. However, he found his true calling in education, becoming an English teacher in 1963 at Highland before moving to Barberton High School in 1971. David would complete a 30-year teaching career at BHS, teaching English, English Literature, and Media Now, where he encouraged students to embrace creativity and storytelling.
Known for his nurturing spirit, David went beyond the classroom, offering tutoring and mentorship to students who needed extra support. His students remember his famous teaching of Sherlock Holmes, and his tendency to correct bad grammar, even if you were not a student in his class.
Beyond teaching, David was deeply involved in the community. He served as both a 5th Ward Councilman and a Councilman-at-Large, always wearing his signature color—red. His love for Barberton was evident, from painting his house in school colors to inscribing “Go Magics” on the sidewalk for the classes of ’75 and ’76. He was a man of many talents—a photographer, a wedding videographer, and even a Santa Claus for generations of children.
During Christmastime, David embodied the holiday spirit as a professional Santa, bringing joy to generations of children. His impact was so lasting that a little girl who once sat on his lap later invited him to her wedding, and he kept his promise, attending years later. His family even made a brief appearance in the mall scene of A Christmas Story, solidifying their place in holiday tradition.
To honor David’s legacy, his family established the David Brumagin Memorial Scholarship Fund, which reflects his lifelong commitment to education, creativity, and giving back. This scholarship supports students pursuing vocational trades, media, arts, music, writing, and content creation—fields that embody David’s passions. Whether through storytelling, hands-on skills, or artistic expression, the scholarship ensures that David’s spirit of encouragement and exploration continues to inspire future generations. His impact on Barberton lives on through the students he inspired, the stories he shared, and the joy he brought to those around him.
