Dave Allbaugh, former BJ reporter, dies

By John Olesky (BJ 1969-96)

Dave Allbaugh, who once covered Wayne County for the Beacon Journal, passed away July 3. 

Dave was the only one who spoke up to management when I was fired for union activities by Dayton Daily News management. Everyone else ran for cover so that they wouldn't be next. I had been at DDN for 13 years when the axe fell and the blackballing began. 

Ben Maidenburg knew about it when I applied for a job at the BJ but said, "If they kept you 13 years, then they were wrong. Pick a side and stay on it while you're here." I did, till later management broke the covenant after Maidenburg's death, and I joined the Guild as a militant member.

Dave exhibited what John Kennedy wrote about in "Profiles in Courage," having the courage of your convictions when it put you at risk.

Dave was highly intelligent, a digger-type newsman, an expert in labor writing.

Bill Hersey, another former BJ reporter, maintained his friendship with Dave to the end. Both worked together, as I did, at the Dayton Daily News.

Dave's obituary in the Dayton Daily News:

Roy Dave Allbaugh

ALLBAUGH, Roy Dave, 83, of Dayton passed away July 3, 2012 at The Hospice of Dayton. He was born on September 14, 1928 in Niles, Michigan to the late Floyd and Lucille (Redke) Allbaugh.

He was a graduate of University of Michigan and received his Masters from George Washington University. Dave served in the Army from 1946-1948 in the Occupation of Japan and then from 1951-1952 at the Atomic test site in the Pacific. Formerly, Dave was a reporter with the New Heaven Register in New Haven, CT and Akron Beacon Journal in Akron, OH. In 1960 he started at Dayton Daily News and retired there in 1988.

Mr. Allbaugh is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Floyd and Edward Allbaugh.

Dave is survived by his loving wife of 59 years Rose T. Allbaugh; 2 sons, David B. Allbaugh of Arlington, VA. and Mark G (Florence) Allbaugh of Brevard, N.C.; 2 grandchildren, Alex and Lea Rose Allbaugh; 2 nephews, Tom and Michael Allbaugh.

A Memorial Service will be held 4PM Sunday July 8, 2012 at Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral Home 5555 Philadelphia Dr. Dayton @ N. Main. The family will receive friends 2PM until time of service at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to The Hospice of Dayton or CASA. Online memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.bakerhazelsnider.com.