John R. Gerber, 69, U.S. Navy Veteran
John R. “Jack” Gerber, 69, of Lorain, died Thursday May 13, 2021 at his home after a lengthy illness.
He was born February 28, 1952 in Lorain to Richard & Eileen Gerber (nee Kosash) and had been a lifelong Lorain resident.
Jack served with the US Navy during the Vietnam War from 1969-1971. He was proud of his military service, loved his country and God. He was an avid motorcycle rider and had a Harley-Davidson painted in camouflage as a dedication to Vietnam Veterans.
Jack was a retired truck driver and had also worked as a welder at AMSHIP in Lorain and in construction as a drywall hanger.
For many years, Jack was and has helped people that were chemically dependent.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years Dotty Gerber (nee Dougherty), children: Margaret Esser (Ryen) of Ravenna, Barbara Rafferty (Sean – US Army retired) of Walkersville, Maryland, Richard Gerber (Sarah) of Naples, Florida, Joseph Gerber (USMC) of Lorain and John Gerber (Mariah Tarver) of Kent; mother Eileen Gerber (nee Kosash) of Avon Lake; sisters: Jane Shedron (Mark -US Navy) of Vermilion and Janet Gerber (US Army) of Lorain; grandchildren: Devin, Sabra, Kayla, Lauren, Brenna, Caida, Gianna, Gino, John III, Scarlett, Bela and Baby Bun (on the way). He was preceded in death by his father Richard A. Gerber (USAF), brother Richard A. Gerber and sister Gina Lomax.
The family will receive friends Monday May 17, 2021 from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel, 3224 Broadway Ave, Lorain. A prayer service will be held Monday at 6:00 pm in the funeral chapel with The Rev. Rich Henry, pastor of Church of the Nazarene in Amherst, presiding. All attendees are required to wear facial coverings and follow COVID-19 social distancing protocols during the wake. Burial with full military honors will be held on Tuesday May 18, 2021 at 10:30 am at Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Rd, Seville, Ohio. (please meet at the cemetery)
The family suggests memorial contributions can be made to any Veterans suicide prevention organization.
Online condolences can be made at www.gluvna.net.