David Howard Berrey

David H. Berrey, age 80 of Jefferson, died Thursday afternoon in the Hospice Unit at the Ashtabula Co. Medical Center.

He was born February 23, 1938 in Cleveland, the son of Howard J. & Mae C. (Ulmer) Berrey and has resided in Jefferson since 1976, coming from Maple Hts.  David was married to Nancy J. Vargo on June 5, 1965 at the First Hungarian Reformed Church in Cleveland.  David retired from Aero Controlex.

He was an active and involved member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Geneva.  David loved people, never met a person he didn’t call a friend, still had a circle of grade school friends and many close friends were like family.  “The Bear” was David’s nickname.  He enjoyed fishing, making wine and cooking and was known for his “Papa’s Sauce”.  David worked out regularly to stay physically fit.  His greatest love was his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Nancy; two children, Deborah J. (Tim) Morse of Perry & Christopher H. (Melissa) Berrey of Ashtabula; four grandchildren, Katharine (Colin) Wantz, Kristen (Eric) Gerdes and Joshua & Alexis Hotz; two great-grandchildren, Ezekiel Wantz & Eric Gerdes; a sister, Nancy (Syd) Kershaw of Gaspirilla, FL and a brother, Howard (Ruth) Berrey of Punta Gorda, FL.  David was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jack Berrey.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the medical staffs of ACMC, MetroHealth Medical Center and Hospice of the Western Reserve for their care and attention to David and the family.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at 12:00 PM at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 811 S. Broadway, Geneva, with the Rev. Jonathan Schroeder officiating.  Burial will be in Oakdale Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the church.  The family requests in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church (above address) or Hospice of the Western Reserve, 1166 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, OH  44004.  The Fleming & Billman Funeral Directors and Crematory and staff, Jefferson, Geneva & Ashtabula is privileged to serve the David Berrey family.  Visit fleming-billman.com to view obituary, express condolences or light a candle.

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