Lynn E. Davenport

CANFIELD - Lynn Edwin Davenport, 85, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer.

Born on September 27, 1940, Lynn was the son of Donald O. and Ruth R. (née Rowse) Davenport. He embodied qualities that would define his life — integrity, steadiness, and a genuine interest in people.

Lynn had a natural gift for conversation and connection, finding joy in talking with people from all walks of life — friends, colleagues, family members, and strangers alike. Whether over a shared meal, at the negotiating table, on the golf course, or striking up a conversation with someone he had just met, Lynn had a way of making others feel seen, heard, and valued. He listened attentively, asked thoughtful questions, and took sincere interest in the lives of those around him, often turning conversations outward rather than toward himself.

He was a graduate of Westminster College, earning a degree in business administration in 1962. He began his career in banking with Mellon Bank and Equibank in Pittsburgh, serving in various lending and commercial real estate roles from 1962 to 1980.

His professional journey later led him to the Edward J. DeBartolo Corporation, where he served for nearly 25 years as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer during a period of significant growth, including the company’s transition to a publicly traded enterprise.

After retiring from the DeBartolo Corporation, Lynn remained active and engaged, choosing to return to work with Cocca Development, where he enjoyed sharing his decades of experience and continuing to contribute in a flexible, collaborative role. He officially retired at the age of 74, though his curiosity, engagement, and love of meaningful work never truly slowed.

Throughout his professional life, Lynn was widely respected for his sound judgment, calm leadership, principled fairness, and unwavering integrity.

On August 18, 1962, Lynn married Joan B. Macinski, his beloved wife and partner of more than 63 years. As a husband, Lynn was deeply committed and steadfastly supportive. Together, they built a life rooted in love, loyalty, and faith. His dedication to his marriage was evident in the way he showed up every day — with care, consistency, and strength. Family was always at the center of everything he did.

As a father, Lynn was steady, dependable, and endlessly caring. His love was lived, not merely spoken — shown through a lifetime of providing, protecting, and being present. His sons knew they could always count on him. For guidance, support, or simply the comfort of knowing he was there.

Nothing brought Lynn greater pride than his six grandchildren. He was actively involved in their lives —encouraging, engaged, and deeply invested in who they were becoming. He set high expectations not out of pressure, but out of love — believing in their potential and teaching them the value of hard work, respect, and doing the right thing. His guidance, standards, and unconditional support will remain with them always.

When he wasn’t working, Lynn truly enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved being social, sharing conversation and laughter with friends and family, often with a glass of wine in hand. He especially cherished time spent at Lake Milton, where he felt at peace — surrounded by water, good company, and moments that brought him joy.

Golf was another great love of his life. Whether on the course or enjoying the camaraderie the game brought, golf was a source of happiness and relaxation for him. It was never just about the score — it was about the friendships, the time outdoors, and the enjoyment of the game itself. He found both joy and community at Tippecanoe Country Club, where he not only spent countless hours golfing with friends but also proudly served on the Board.

He also greatly enjoyed time at his winter home in Bonita Springs, Florida, where he embraced the warmth and a slower pace of life. It was a place of comfort and happiness, filled with time shared with friends and family and many lasting memories.

Throughout his battle with cancer, Lynn faced each day with remarkable strength, optimism, and courage. Even in the most difficult moments, he remained focused on the people he loved, inspiring all who walked beside him with his resilience and grace.

Lynn will be remembered as an honorable man of quiet strength, deep integrity, and genuine presence — with a warm heart and welcoming nature that made people feel comfortable, seen, and valued. He carried himself with respect for all, navigating differences without judgment and earning trust across a wide range of personalities and perspectives. His integrity was not situational — it was who he was. His legacy lives on through the lessons he taught, the love he shared, and the countless memories held by those fortunate enough to know him.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; his sons, David S. Davenport of Avon Lake and Steven S. Davenport of Canfield; his sisters, Donna Searle McLay and Dorothy (Frank) O’Stafy; his brother, Dick (Kathy) Davenport; and his six grandchildren, Lynn, Grace, Katherine, Ann, Allyson, and Ryan Davenport.

In addition to his parents, Lynn was preceded in death by his sister, Ruth Davis Evans.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, February 1, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Canfield Presbyterian Church, Canfield, Ohio. A service celebrating Lynn’s life will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or to Harvest of Hope (harvestofhopeglobal.org), a nonprofit Lynn supported that provides care and education for orphaned and impoverished children.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Higgins-Reardon Funeral Homes, Boardman-Canfield Chapel. Family and friends are invited to visit www.higgins-reardon.com to share memories and condolences.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to one of the following organizations in memory of Lynn E. Davenport:

Make a donation to Harvest of Hope Africa in memory of Lynn E. Davenport