David Rau Obituary

David Allen Rau

September 3, 1949 -

October 18, 2025

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, SC - David Allen Rau, 76, of Hilton Head Island, SC passed away peacefully after a brave fight with Alzheimer's. He was born on September 3, 1949 in Huron, OH.

David is survived by his beloved wife and high school sweetheart of 52 years, Molly Gilbert Rau, his three children, Claire Jane Rau of Colorado Springs, CO, Allen Gilbert Rau of Houston, TX and Madeline Ann Rau of Sullivans Island, SC. He was also the beloved "Bobo" to his grandson Mack David Mullen.

He also leaves behind his brother and lifelong accomplice, Norman Dean Rau of Sarasota, FL. He was preceded in death by his youngest brother, Mack Snyder Rau.

A proud graduate of Huron High School and Colgate University, he was a lifelong fan of the Ohio State Buckeyes. For years, he would listen to Ohio State marching band tunes on his way to his daily coffee group at Watusi's and dinner at Chez George, Ombra's or Sea Grass Grill in Hilton Head, exasperating his passengers.

His brother Norm recounts with pride Dave's glory as the MVP of the Huron High basketball team and the claim of being the first four-year letterman ever for Huron High School baseball. He was the original Bo Jackson.

David was an exceptional father and always supportive of his family, even when Claire informed him of her decision to study Art History, when Allen went off the rails or when Molly got herself a "Mohawk" haircut. Maddie, however, nearly sent David into perpetual face palm mode. But an undercover softie, he never wavered in his devotion to his family.

Later in life, much to the surprise of family, he developed (or revealed) a love of music by The Carpenters and (very surprisingly) "The Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor. He also became somewhat of a (bad) dancer and professional dashboard drummer. He loved it – as did all around him.

He served as a Lieutenant (JG) in the United States Navy from 1972 to 1975 in the Pacific aboard the USS Benjamin Stoddert (DDG-22). Rau was aboard when the Stoddert was the last US naval vessel to depart Saigon during the evacuation of Vietnam in 1975. A "trusty Shellback" of the mysterious Ancient Order of the Deep, Rau has recounted his travels across the Pacific, from Mombasa, Kenya to the Straight of Malacca to Honolulu, HI with his family.

According to Rau's Naval Fitness Reports, his commanding officers believed "his take-charge nature generates both confidence and respect from those around him and has earned him the respect and loyalty of his division," and that "his maturity, enthusiasm and leadership qualities make him a standout candidate for rapid advancement in the Navy."

Upon completion of his time in the service, he was a cub reporter at the Sandusky Register. He was publisher at the Grand Haven (MI) Tribune and the Kingsport (TN) Times News during the heyday of newspapers.

He became the CEO of Sandusky Newspapers, Inc, in 1993 and served in that position until his retirement from the industry in 2019.

A lifelong boater, he and Molly moved to Hilton Head in 1998 to indulge his passion for the water and ordering any unfortunate crew around, which he did well. They took many trips on his boat, Press Gang, from Long Island, NY to the Chesapeake Bay to Florida, returning home with minimal casualties.

His ashes will be interred at Woodlawn Cemetery in Norwalk after a private gravesite service with military honors. A celebration of life is forthcoming.

The family requests that any memorial contributions be sent to their local Salvation Army.