Berkey, John E.
Orrville — John E. Berkey, age 67, of Orrville, died Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare in Wooster, following a long period of declining health.
John was born on December 30, 1953, in Orrville, to Dean and Eleanor (West) Berkey and graduated from Orrville High School (Wayne County Joint Vocational School) in 1972. He married Denise Horst on October 22, 1983, in Orrville and she survives him.
He was the owner and operator of Reliable Mold and Pattern, Inc. in Marshallville which he purchased in 1981 and worked there for over 40 years, retiring in 2020.
John was an active member of the Antique Auto Club of America (Canton Chapter). He was a hobby enthusiast and the former owner and operator of Berkey’s Hobbies in Smithville. Among his many interests were vintage go-carts, mini-bikes, rail cars, antique autos, guns, and model airplanes and rockets. He loved watching all forms of racing, going out to eat, spending time with family and friends, and he especially loved following his children and grandchildren in their many events.
Surviving in addition to his wife, Denise, are his mother, Eleanor Berkey of Orrville; two daughters, Sommer (Michael) Alexander of Orrville and Amanda (Nate) Yoder of Wooster; son, Ryan Berkey of Orrville; three grandsons, Dylan, Drew and Derek Alexander; two brothers, Harold (Donna) Berkey of Orrville and Mark (Joanne) Berkey of Lakeland, FL; a sister, Kaylyn (Ray) Dolak of Navarre; numerous nieces and nephews; and his favorite dog, Sammy.
He was preceded in death by his father, Dean Wilbur Berkey; and an infant brother, Robert Matthew Berkey.
Private services will be held with Pastor Chuck Davis officiating. Burial will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery in Orrville. A public celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Road, Wooster, OH, 44691, www.lifecarehospice.org.
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is handling the arrangements. Online registry and expressions of condolence may be made at www.aublefuneralhome.com.
