Vernon Bertsch

Vernon A. Bertsch, Jr. of Akron passed away days before his 88th birthday. He is preceded in death by his parents Velma L. (nee Stacey) and Vernon A. Bertsch, Sr. He is survived by his sister, Roxanne Trapasso; son Mark V. Bertsch (Cindy); nephew Joseph Trapasso; niece LeAnne Johnston (Charles); great nieces and nephews; and companion Catherine Williams.

Among many friends, Vern was extremely close with Patti Braskie (Asheville, NC), Joyce Wong (Akron) and Dr. Edward Reece (Phoenix), enjoying air shows, talking about dogs, making home repairs and visiting military museums or the shooting range.

Vern was born in Buffalo and raised Niagara Falls, NY. He proudly served his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force in late 1953. He spent four years, more than half overseas, setting up communications during Korea and was honorably discharged.

Family ties led him to settle in Akron, Ohio, where he worked for the Noble Shoe company.

Along the way, he discovered his love of dogs, particularly English Springer and Field Spaniels, finishing several AKC Champions in both breeds. In the 1980s he became President of the Western Reserve Kennel Club and was owner of Critter Corner, a pet store in Broadview Heights for many years.

An avid football fan, he never missed a chance to root for his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers.

In his retirement, he enjoyed exploring his family genealogy, Native American and WWII history, being outside and spending time with his bonus grandchildren.

He will be laid to rest at the Ohio Western Reserve Military Cemetery located at 10175 Rawiga Rd. Seville OH 44273 on September 20th, 2024 at 2:15pm.

As Vern was an advocate for veterans, military aircraft and dogs, donations may be made in his memory to the MAPS Air museum in Akron, National Museum of the United States Air Force (Foundation) in Dayton, America's VetDogs and Mid-Atlantic English Springer Spaniel Rescue.