Fundraiser planned Sept. 27 for Canfield man who lost leg in crash

Staff report

CANFIELD

The community will rally around David Tranovich, 64, of Canfield, during a pasta dinner fundraiser Sept. 27 at Argus Lodge 545, 5050 Shields Road.

Tranovich, a lifelong area resident, lost his left leg after a May 4 motorcycle crash in Geneva.

The accident took Tranovich’s foot at the scene, and doctors at Cleveland’s Metro Health hospital – where he was flown by helicopter ambulance – worked to save the leg, but could not.

His above-the-knee amputation is healing, but he’s endured major setbacks while fighting to keep his right leg, which was severely damaged in the accident. Blood clots and infections have landed him in the hospital a few times since the accident.

The event, from 1 to 4 p.m., is being hosted by family and friends, and some local businesses have graciously agreed to donate food, supplies and items for auction.

Money raised will go toward the mounting medical bills and modifications to the home to help Tranovich navigate better. He is in a wheelchair and faces more surgeries but is hoping to heal enough to be fitted with a prosthetic leg.

Tranovich, who’s retired from General Electric, lives at home with his wife, Mary Jane. Two sons, Matt and Eric, also live in the area with their families.

A female driver went left of center, hitting Tranovich’s motorcycle. A grand jury in Ashtabula chose not to indict her, and charges were instead lessened from aggravated vehicular assault, a fourth-degree felony, to a minor traffic violation, driving left of center.

She was fined $75 and released. She carried the minimum amount of insurance, which won’t cover much of the mounting expense for Tranovich’s care, his family said.

Tickets to the event are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. There will be a basket auction, 50/50 raffle and entertainment. Take-out meals will also be available.

Dinner will include pasta and meatballs, salad, rolls/bread, soft drinks, coffee and dessert.

Donations can be made at any branch of Farmer’s National Bank to the David P. Tranovich Family Trust. Online donations are being accepted at www.youcaring.com/dave-tranovich-407318.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/dollarsfordave. For questions, email teamdave2015@gmail.com