Robert J. Berdis Sr.

 NORTON – Robert J. Berdis, Sr., age 79, went home to be with the Lord on November 9, 2021 after a long courageous battle with colon cancer. 

Bob was born on July 10, 1942 in Erie, PA to the late Joseph and Mary (Janosik) Berdis as the 7th son of 14 children.  He attended Holy Family Grade School, Cathedral Prep HS, and proudly served in the PA Army National Guard during the Vietnam War.  He retired from the Akron Beacon Journal after 33 years of service and was previously with the Erie Times.  A devout Catholic, Bob was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and was also attending St. Bernards Catholic Church in Akron and leading rosary services daily.  He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 547, at St. Bernards and was also a 4th Degree Knight.  Bob was union president/secretary for the Akron Beacon Journal for multiple years and secretary/treasurer of the Akron Print Craft Bowling League.  Besides his faith and family, his other life passion was sports.  He was an avid supporter of St. Vincent St. Mary’s, where he was honored as their #1 fan on Oct. 1, 2021, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Notre Dame University.  He will be remembered by many for his famous “Defense Irish” chant from the stands!

Aside from his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Sylvia J.; siblings, Rev. Donald Berdis, Sister Eileen Berdis, OSF, Sister Audrey Berdis, OSB, Eleanor Tarasovitch, Mildred Merski, Joseph Berdis, Frank Berdis, Thomas Berdis, and James Berdis. Bob is survived by his children, Cheryl (Al) Burrows, Linda (Gary) Tucci, Patie (Steve) Beaty, Gordon (Carrie) Pietrowski, Robert Berdis Jr., Lisa (Chris) Forand, Philip (Denise) Berdis, Becky (Gene) Brown; 16 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Lawrence Berdis, Sister Kevin Berdis, OSF, Ann (Paul) Krauza, Jean (Frank) Abate; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Traditions Hospice for all their wonderful care, love, and support.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church, 161 W. Clinton St., Doylestown, OH 44230. Fr. Peter Morris, Celebrant.  Burial to take place in the church cemetery.  Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Zak-Thacker & Monbarren Funeral Home, 132 N. Portage St., Doylestown. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School or St. Vincent St. Mary's scholarship fund. Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211) 

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